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Superficial thrombophlebitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Thrombophlebitis involves inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot inside. With superficial thrombophlebitis, the clot is in a vein just below the surface of the skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Superficial thrombophlebitis may occur after the recent use of an intravenous (IV) line, after trauma to the vein, or for no apparent reason in persons at risk for thrombophlebitis.

Risks for superficial thrombophlebitis include the following:

• Disorders that involve increased blood clotting
• Infection
• Varicose veins
• Chemical irritation of the area
• Sitting or being immobilized for a prolonged period

The risk is also increased in women who are or were recently pregnant, and by the use of oral contraceptives.

Superficial thrombophlebitis may be associated with Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, and, occasionally, abdominal cancers (such as carcinoma of the pancreas ), deep vein thrombosis , and thromboangiitis obliterans .

• Review Date: 9/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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