Superficial Thrombophlebitis

The term “superficial thrombophlebitis” means a clot, with inflammation, occurring in a vein under the skin.

It often occurs in varicose veins, but can also occur as a result of injury to the vein, such as from an intravenous injection, indwelling intravenous cannula, or from intravenous drug abuse (use of street drugs). There is a sudden, localized inflammatory reaction in the vein wall with a secondary thrombus (clot) which is strongly adherent to the vessel wall.

The clinical picture is of pain, redness and swelling along the vein, which can be seen and felt as a hard, cord-like structure.

Normally it is not possible for superficial thrombophlebitis to cause an embolus, but unlike in superficial veins in other parts of the body (such as in the legs and arms) superficial thrombophlebitis in groin veins may spread into a deep vein, where the clot may break off and cause an embolus.

Treatment is with aspirin, elevating the affected limb and the use of topical non- steroidal anti-inflammatory cream, and hirudoid cream.

Sometimes, thrombophlebitis repeatedly occurs in normal veins. When this occurs it is known as Thrombophlebitis Migransand it may be associated with cancer of an organ such as carcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas, and ovarian carcinoma. A person who presents with this symptom should be carefully evaluated, as there may be an underlying serious condition.

Disabling Effects

The inflammatory effects of superficial thrombophlebitis are normally short – lived, and respond well to treatment, and there should be no lasting disabling effects, though the vein is likely to feel hard for a considerable time. If Thrombophlebitis Migrans is present, the care and mobility needs will depend on the patient’s general condition and the extent of the underlying severe illness, such as cancer of the pancreas.

Amended April 2008