Definition

Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein close to the surface of the skin. It occurs most often in the leg. The condition is easily treatable, though it sometimes leads to more serious health concerns.

Causes

Superficial thrombophlebitis

is caused by

a blood clot

in a vein that is close to the surface of the skin.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing superficial thrombophlebitis include:

• Trauma especially to the lower leg
• Blood clotting disorder
• Sitting for long periods of time, such as riding in a car or on an airplane
• Prolonged bed rest
• Prior episodes of phlebitis
• Certain cancers
• Paralysis, which may be caused by a stroke
• Family history of blood clotting disorders
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

Superficial thrombophlebitis may cause:

• A visible, cord-like vein that is tender and sensitive to pressure; this visibility may develop over several hours to days
• Redness and warmth surrounding the vein
• Swelling around the vein

A complication of superficial thrombophlebitis is a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a blood clot in the deeper veins that causes obstruction of blood flow. This can lead to pulmonary embolism, a serious situation that occurs when the blood clot breaks free and gets lodged in the lungs.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Venogram in which dye or contrast is injected

Treatment

In most cases, superficial thrombophlebitis goes away on its own after a few weeks. Treatment can be done at home with the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• Exercise
• Compression stockings
• Warm compress on the inflamed vein
• Elevation

In some cases, the following treatment may be needed:

• Blood thinning medication
• Procedures to remove the blood clot

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of superficial thrombophlebitis, take these steps:

• If you fly for long periods of time, walk around the cabin and stretch your limbs every hour or so.
• If you drive for long periods of time, pull over every hour or so and stretch your limbs.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing around your waist.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

The Society for Vascular Surgery http://www.vascularweb.org

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

Ramzi DW, Leeper KV. DVT and pulmonary embolism: Part I. Diagnosis. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(12):2829-2836.

Vandenbroucke JP, Rosing J, Bloemenkamp KWM, Middeldorp S, Helmerhorst FM, Bouma BN. Oral contraceptives and the risk of venous thrombosis. N Engl J Med. 2001 May 17;344:1527-1535.

5/4/2015 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Scott G, Mahdi AJ, et al. Superficial vein thrombosis: a current approach to management. Br J Haematol. 2015 Mar;168(5):639-45.