Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Question 1

Superficial Thrombophlebitis General

Answer 1

• Vein becomes clotted and inflamed

- Usually benign self limiting disease, can be slow to resolve

Question 2

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Epidemiology

Answer 2

• Very common condition

- Female preponderance and seasonal variation

Question 3

Superficial Thrombophlebitis RFs

Answer 3

• Virchow’s triad
• Stasis, hyper coagulability, endothelial damage
• Obesity, thrombophilia, smoking, COCP, pregnancy

Question 4

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Presentation

Answer 4

Various different presentations

• Usually occurs in lower extremities but can occur in penis and breast (Mondor’s disease)
• Traumatic following injury
• Thrombophlebitis from a cannula, can take months to resolve
• Sclerotherapy
• Redness and tenderness along vein with swelling
• Often develops in greater saphenous vein, with varicose veins

Question 5

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Differentials

Answer 5

Cellulitis, DVT, lymphangitis,

Question 6

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Ix

Answer 6

Usually no further investigations needed

-Venography with contrast can aggravate

Question 7

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Associated Diseases

Answer 7

Migratory thrombophlebitis can be a pointer to malignancy, especially carcinoma of the tail of the pancreas
Phlebitis occurs in diseases associated with vasculitis e.g. Buergers

Question 8

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Management

Answer 8

• Elastic support can reduce swelling and ease discomfort, but need to check ABPI first as may compromise an already poor arterial supply
• Topical analgesia with NSAIDs controls symptoms

Question 9

Superficial Thrombophlebitis Complications

Answer 9

Extension into deep veins, suppuration, hyperpigmentation