Phlebitis
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Synopsis

Phlebitis refers to inflammation of the vein walls, characterized by pain, redness, tenderness, swelling, and induration in the absence of thrombus. This may be due to medication use, a procedural treatment, a medical device, or, less frequently, infection. A common cause of infusion phlebitis is a complication of inserting a peripheral intravenous cannula for administering intravenous fluids and medications, which may provide opportunity for postoperative infection and fever.
Superficial phlebitis occurs typically in the superficial veins of the lower extremities. Phlebitis may be associated with varicose veins, vein trauma, venous stasis, superficial thrombophlebitis, Behçet syndrome, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease), and Mondor syndrome.
Treatment is geared toward alleviating symptoms and preventing thrombus formation and movement into the deep venous system.
Superficial phlebitis occurs typically in the superficial veins of the lower extremities. Phlebitis may be associated with varicose veins, vein trauma, venous stasis, superficial thrombophlebitis, Behçet syndrome, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease), and Mondor syndrome.
Treatment is geared toward alleviating symptoms and preventing thrombus formation and movement into the deep venous system.
Codes
ICD10CM:
I80.9 – Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site
SNOMEDCT:
61599003 – Phlebitis
I80.9 – Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site
SNOMEDCT:
61599003 – Phlebitis
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Cellulitis
- Lymphedema
- Lymphangitis
- Tendonitis
- Erythema nodosum
- Sarcoid granuloma
- Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS associated, non-AIDS associated)
- Baker cyst
- Hematoma
- Neuritis
- Varicose veins
- Insect bites
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:03/28/2019
Last Updated:05/20/2019
Last Updated:05/20/2019