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Updated: Feb 26 2017

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Snapshot
  • STA 64-year-old man with history of severe venous insufficiency presents to his primary care physician complaing of increased swelling, temperature, and redness on the calf.
Introduction
  • Patients with superficial thrombophlebitis often present with
    • extensive varicose veins
    • inciting thrombus
  • Infection in or surrounding the superficial venous network results in severe pain and redness
Presentation
  • Symptoms
    • localized leg pain
  • Physical exam
    • localized erythema
    • superficial cord-like induration
    • palpable clot
    • varicose veins
    • mild fever
Evaluation
  • Diagnosis
    • made by physical exam and history
  • Ultrasound
    • may be used to 
      • assess the degree of venous insufficiency
      • look for evidence of clot
Differential
  • Deep venous thrombosis, superficial cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, Buerger's vasculitis, injury to the lowerl limb
Treatment
  • Medical
    • NSAIDS
      • for mild pain
      • when patients refuse surgery
    • long-term pain management and anticoagulation NOT needed in these cases
  • Surgical
    • thrombectomy
      • usually performed under local anesthesis
Prognosis, Prevention, and Complications
  • Prognosis
    • good to excellent if identified and treated early with thrombectomy
    • pain usually subsides in a few days on its own
  • Prevention
    • proper management of venous insufficiency can prevent subsequent infection/inflammation
  • Complications
    • can potentially lead to DVT, and thus PE if not management appropriately
Private Note

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