Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot in a vein located just below the skin's surface.

Thrombophlebitis - superficial

Superficial thrombophlebitis may occur after injury to the vein or the recent use of an intravenous (IV) line or catheter. It may also develop for no apparent reason in persons at risk for the condition.

Risks for superficial thrombophlebitis include:

• Chemical irritation of the area
• Disorders that involve increased blood clotting
• Infection
• Pregnancy
• Sitting or staying still for a prolonged period
• Use of birth control pills
• Varicose veins

Superficial thrombophlebitis may be associated with:

• Abdominal cancers (such as pancreatic cancer)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Factor V Leiden
• Prothrombin gene mutation
• Thromboangiitis obliterans

Other rare disorders associated this condition include Antithrombin III (AT-III), Protein C and Protein S deficiencies.

Images

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis

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Superficial thrombophlebitis Symptoms

Review Date: 04/30/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Emile Riggs Mohler III, MD, Vascular Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)