Superficial thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis - superficialThrombophlebitis is a swollen or inflamed vein due to a blood clot. Superficial refers to veins just below the skin's surface.
Blood clot
Blood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...
Causes
This condition may occur after injury to the vein. It may also occur after having medicines given into your veins. If you have a high risk for blood clots, you may develop them for no apparent reason.
Risks for thrombophlebitis include:
- Cancer
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Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. DVT mainly affects the large...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Disorders that involve increased blood clotting (may be inherited)
- Infection
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Sitting or staying still for a prolonged period
- Use of birth control pills
- Swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins (varicose veins)
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins that you can see under the skin. They are often red or blue in color. They most often appea...
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Symptoms
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Skin redness, inflammation, tenderness, or pain along a vein just below the skin
- Warmth of the area
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Limb pain
Limb pain
Leg pain is a common problem. It can be due to a cramp, injury, or other cause.
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will diagnose this condition based mainly on the appearance of the affected area. Frequent checks of the pulse, blood pressure, temperature, skin condition, and blood flow may be needed.
Ultrasound of the blood vessels helps confirm the condition.
Ultrasound
A duplex ultrasound is a test to see how blood moves through your arteries and veins.
If there are signs of an infection, skin or blood cultures may be done.
Skin
A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails. It is called a mucosal culture...
Blood cultures
A blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.
Treatment
To reduce discomfort and swelling, your provider may recommend that you:
- Wear support stockings, if your leg is affected.
Support stockings
You wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Keep the affected leg or arm raised above heart level.
- Apply a warm compress to the area.
If you have a catheter or intravenous (IV) line, it will likely be removed if it is the cause of the thrombophlebitis.
Medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling.
If clots in the deeper veins are also present, your provider may prescribe medicines to thin your blood. These medicines are called anticoagulants. Antibiotics are prescribed if you have an infection.
Clots in the deeper veins
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. DVT mainly affects the large...
Surgical removal (phlebectomy), stripping, or sclerotherapy of the affected vein may be needed. These treat large varicose veins or are done to prevent thrombophlebitis in high-risk people.
Stripping
Vein stripping is surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs.
Outlook (Prognosis)
This is usually a short-term condition that does not cause complications. Symptoms often go away in 1 to 2 weeks. Hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.
Possible Complications
Complications are rare. Possible problems may include the following:
-
Infections (cellulitis)
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. Sometimes, muscle...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this condition.
Also contact your provider if you already have the condition and your symptoms worsen or do not get better with treatment.
Prevention
In the hospital, swollen or inflamed veins can be prevented by:
- The nurse regularly changing the location of your IV line and removing it if swelling, redness, or pain develop
- Walking and staying active as soon as possible after surgery or during a long-term illness
When possible, avoid keeping your legs and arms still for long periods. Move your legs often or take a stroll during long plane trips or car trips. Try to avoid sitting or lying down for long periods without getting up and moving about.
References
Haghshenas J, Haut ER. Venous thromboembolism: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:1182-1185.
Wasan SM. Superficial thrombophlebitis and its management. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 151.
Weitz JI, Eikelboom JW. Venous thrombosis and embolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 68.
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Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
illustration
-
Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration
Shown here is erythema following the vascular pattern on a lower extremity. The superficial veins have become inflamed and dilated, causing the discoloration.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
illustration
-
Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like. Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
illustration
-
Superficial thrombophlebitis - illustration
Shown here is erythema following the vascular pattern on a lower extremity. The superficial veins have become inflamed and dilated, causing the discoloration.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
illustration
Review Date: 5/10/2024
Reviewed By: Neil Grossman, MD, Saint Vincent Radiological Associates, Framingham, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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