Thrombophlebitis, Superficial

Thrombophlebitis, Superficial



Brett Robbins, MD



Basic Information



Definition


Superficial thrombophlebitis is a thrombosis of a superficial vein with accompanying inflammatory reaction.



Synonym



Phlebitis


ICD-9-CM Code



451.89 Thrombophlebitis


Epidemiology & Demographics


This is almost entirely a disorder of adults with lower extremity venous incompetence.



Clinical Presentation



• Pain, erythema, and swelling in a distinct vein

• Commonly occurs in veins after phlebotomy or venous access


Etiology



• Contributing factors are the three elements of Virchow’s triad: intimal damage, stasis, and hypercoagulability.

• Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in varicose veins of the leg as a result of stasis of blood.

• Occasionally, local trauma (e.g., intravenous catheters) may play a role, especially if the affected vein is normal.


Diagnosis



Differential Diagnosis



• Concomitant deep venous thrombosis occurs in approximately 5% of patients, so it is important to evaluate the patient for this disorder (see Deep Venous Thrombosis in Diseases and Disorders [Section I]).
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Jun 19, 2016 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on Thrombophlebitis, Superficial

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