View source for Superficial thrombophlebitis

==Background==
*Also known as "superficial venous thrombosis"
*More likely in patients with varicose veins<ref>Leon L et al. Clinical significance of superficial vein thrombosis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2005;29:10-17.</ref>
*Associated [[Deep venough thrombosis|DVT]] is rare and usually only occurs at the junctions with deep venous system such as the groin<ref>Bergqvist D, Jaroszewski H. Deep vein thrombosis in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. BMJ 1986;292:658-9.</ref>

===Types<ref>Nasr H, Scriven JM. Superficial thrombophlebitis (superficial venous thrombosis). BMJ. 2015;350:h2039. doi:10.1136/bmj.h2039.</ref>===
*'''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

==Clinical Features==
*Pain and discoloration to affected area
*Redness affected superficial vein
*Tender and hard vein on palpation
*Minimal limb swelling

==Differential Diagnosis==
The differential depends on the location of the thrombophlebitis.
===Lower extremity===
{{Calf pain DDX}}

===Upper extremity===
{{Upper extremity swelling DDX}}

===Groin Pain===
{{Groin Pain DDX}}

==Evaluation==
[[File:Cephalic Vein Thrombophlebitis Bowra.gif|thumbnail|Point of care ultrasound may support clinical diagnosis as in this case of cephalic vein thrombophlebitis<ref>http://www.thepocusatlas.com/soft-tissue-vascular/</ref>]]
*Diagnosis is purely clinical
**D-dimer has no clinical benefit and only consider [[Deep venous thrombosis|DVT]] evaluation if there is significant limb swelling or location near a deep vein (popliteal/femoral vein)

==Management==
*[[NSAIDs]] for local pain
*[[Antibiotics]] are only needed if there is an associated [[cellulitis]] or obvious infection
*Little evidence for anticoagulation unless associated with a [[Deep venous thrombosis|DVT]]<ref>Di Nisio M, et al. Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;4:CD004982.</ref>

==Disposition==
*Discharge

==External Links==


==See Also==
*[[DVT]]
*[[Cellulitis]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Vascular]]