Superficial thrombophlebitis: Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis is purely clinical. | The diagnosis is purely clinical. D-dimer has no clinical benefit and only consider DVT evaluation if there is significant limb swelling or location at a deep vein (popliteal/femoral vein) | ||
===Signs and Symptoms=== | ===Signs and Symptoms=== | ||
*Pain and discoloration to affected area | *Pain and discoloration to affected area | ||
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*Tender and hard vein on palpation | *Tender and hard vein on palpation | ||
*Minimal limb swelling | *Minimal limb swelling | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
*NSAIDS for local pain | *NSAIDS for local pain | ||
Revision as of 13:27, 10 December 2015
Background
Superficial thrombophlebitis is also known as "superficial venous thrombosis" and mainly involves symptomatic control. It is more likely in patients with varicose veins[1] Associated DVT usually only occurs at the junctions with deep venous system such as the groin[2]
The disease is categorized into 4 main types:[3]
- Sterile thrombophlebitis
- No infectious association
- Traumatic superficial thrombophlebitis
- Associated with limb injury from blunt trauma, IV catheters or chemical treatment
- Infection thrombophlebitis
- Associated with prolonged IVs and is the only thrombophlebitis to require antibiotics
- Migratory thrombophlebitis
- Recurrent in multiple differing sites and often associated with malignancies
Differential Diagnosis
The differential depends on the location of the thrombophlebitis.
Calf pain
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Calcaneal bursitis
- Cellulitis
- Compartment syndrome
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
- Distal leg fractures
- Gastrocnemius strain
- Ruptured popliteal cyst (Bakers cyst)
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
Upper Extremity Pain
Upper extremity swelling
- Cellulitis
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Lymphatic obstruction
- Necrotizing fasciitis
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- SVC Syndrome
- Thoracic outlet obstruction/Pancoast tumor
Groin Pain
Groin pain
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is purely clinical. D-dimer has no clinical benefit and only consider DVT evaluation if there is significant limb swelling or location at a deep vein (popliteal/femoral vein)
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain and discoloration to affected area
- Redness affected superficial vein
- Tender and hard vein on palpation
- Minimal limb swelling
Management
- NSAIDS for local pain
- Antibiotics are only needed if there is an associated cellulitis or obvious infection
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Leon L et al. Clinical significance of superficial vein thrombosis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2005;29:10-17.
- ↑ Bergqvist D, Jaroszewski H. Deep vein thrombosis in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. BMJ 1986;292:658-9.
- ↑ Nasr H, Scriven JM. Superficial thrombophlebitis (superficial venous thrombosis). BMJ. 2015;350:h2039. doi:10.1136/bmj.h2039.