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Superficial thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis - superficial

 

Thrombophlebitis is a swollen or inflamed vein due to a blood clot . Superficial refers to veins just below the skin's surface.

Causes

 

This condition may occur after injury to the vein. Or it may occur after having medicines given into your veins. If you have a high risk for blood clots, you may develop them for no apparent reason.

Risks for thrombophlebitis include:

  • Cancer or liver disease
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Disorders that involve increased blood clotting (may be inherited)
  • Infection
  • Pregnancy
  • Sitting or staying still for a prolonged period
  • Use of birth control pills
  • Swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins ( varicose veins )

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Skin redness, inflammation, tenderness, or pain along a vein just below the skin
  • Warmth of the area
  • Limb pain
  • Hardening of the vein

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your health care provider will diagnose this condition based mainly on the appearance of the affected area. Frequent checks of the pulse , blood pressure, temperature, skin condition, and blood flow may be needed.

Ultrasound  of the blood vessels helps confirm the condition.

If there are signs of an infection, skin or blood cultures may be done.

 

Treatment

 

To reduce discomfort and swelling, your provider may recommend that you:

  • Wear support stockings , if your leg is affected.
  • Keep the affected leg or arm raised above heart level.
  • Apply a warm compress to the area.

If you have a catheter or IV line, it will likely be removed if it is the cause of the thrombophlebitis.

Medicines called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.

If clots in the deeper veins are also present, your provider may prescribe medicines to thin your blood. These medicines are called anticoagulants. Antibiotics are prescribed if you have an infection.

Surgical removal (phlebectomy), stripping , or sclerotherapy of the affected vein may be needed. These treat large varicose veins or to prevent thrombophlebitis in high-risk people.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

This is often a short-term condition that does not cause complications. Symptoms often go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications are rare. Possible problems may include the following:

  • Infections ( cellulitis )
  • Deep vein thrombosis

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider if you develop symptoms of this condition.

Also call if you already have the condition and your symptoms worsen or do not get better with treatment.

 

Prevention

 

In the hospital, swollen or inflamed veins can be prevented by:

  • The nurse regularly changing the location of your IV line and removing it if swelling, redness, or pain develop
  • Walking and staying active as soon as possible after surgery or during a long-term illness

When possible, avoid keeping your legs and arms still for long periods. Move your legs often or take a stroll during long plane trips or car trips. Try to avoid sitting or lying down for long periods without getting up and moving about.

 

 

References

Ginsberg JS. Peripheral venous disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 81.

Rathman S. Superficial thrombophlebitis. In: Cronenwett JL, Johnston KW, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 54.

 
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

    Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.

    Superficial thrombophlebitis

    illustration

  • Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

    Shown here is erythema following the vascular pattern on a lower extremity. The superficial veins have become inflamed and dilated, causing the discoloration.

    Superficial thrombophlebitis

    illustration

    • Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

      Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.

      Superficial thrombophlebitis

      illustration

    • Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration

      Shown here is erythema following the vascular pattern on a lower extremity. The superficial veins have become inflamed and dilated, causing the discoloration.

      Superficial thrombophlebitis

      illustration

    Tests for Superficial thrombophlebitis

     

       

      Review Date: 6/6/2016

      Reviewed By: Deepak Sudheendra, MD, RPVI, Assistant Professor of Interventional Radiology & Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, with an expertise in Vascular Interventional Radiology & Surgical Critical Care, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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