superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis, also called superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), is a pathological condition characterized by the presence of a thrombus in the lumen of a superficial vein, accompanied by inflammatory reaction of adjacent tissues.

Terminology

Some authors, however, reserve the term superficial venous thrombosis to the situation when there is thrombosis of a superficial vein without any associated inflammatory component .

Clinical presentation

Typically presentations include:

• tender erythematous areas overlying a superficial vein
  • may be warm to touch
  • there may be palpable mass and surrounding edema
• visible distension of the vein proximal to the thrombosis
• there may be signs of chronic venous disease: visible varicosities, skin pigmentation, or palpable cords

Pathology

Like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), its occurrence is also related to the Virchow's triad.

Etiology

There are a large number of potential causes which does overlap with the causes of DVT :

• varicose veins (most common)
  • morphological changes that predispose to stasis and consequently to the development of thrombotic process
• prolonged immobilization
• surgery/trauma
• obesity
• hypercoagulable states, e.g. factor V Leiden thrombophilia
• oral contraceptive use
• past history SVT or DVT
• intravenous cannula use
• malignancies (see: Trousseau syndrome)
• autoimmune disease
• inflammatory conditions, in particular, Behcet disease and Buerger disease

Siehe auch:

• Sinusthrombose
• tiefe Venenthrombose
• Thrombophlebitis
• Virchow`s triad

und weiter:

• subkutane Verkalkungen