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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