Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Thrombophlebitis - superficial


Symptoms
  • Skin redness or inflammation along a vein that's just below the skin
  • Warmth of tissue
  • Tenderness or pain along a vein that's just below the skin -- pain is worse when pressure is applied
  • Limb pain
  • Hardening of a the vein (induration)

Signs and tests

Your health care provider will diagnose superficial thrombophlebitis 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.

The following tests can help confirm the condition:

  • Doppler ultrasound
  • Duplex ultrasound
  • Venography

If there are signs of an infection, skin or blood cultures may be performed.


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)