Superficial thrombophlebitis
See also in: Cellulitis DDxAlerts and Notices
Synopsis

Superficial thrombophlebitis refers to inflammation (phlebitis) and thrombosis in subcutaneous veins. It is most commonly caused by intravenous cannulation of veins but may also be due to hypercoagulable states, stasis within varices, visceral cancer, and infection (usually due to Staphylococcus aureus, then termed septic thrombophlebitis). Ten to twenty percent of cases are associated with occult deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Superficial thrombophlebitis presents as erythema and induration of a superficial vein. There may be a low-grade fever. Complications include extension to the deep venous system and sepsis or endocarditis in cases of septic thrombophlebitis.
Trousseau syndrome is recurrent migratory thrombophlebitis associated with visceral cancer (usually pancreatic).
Superficial thrombophlebitis can often be distinguished from cellulitis on the basis of history (recent intravenous catheter site) and physical exam (palpable induration or cord in the area of a vein).
Superficial thrombophlebitis on the chest with enlarged veins is sometimes called Mondor disease.
Trousseau syndrome is recurrent migratory thrombophlebitis associated with visceral cancer (usually pancreatic).
Superficial thrombophlebitis can often be distinguished from cellulitis on the basis of history (recent intravenous catheter site) and physical exam (palpable induration or cord in the area of a vein).
Superficial thrombophlebitis on the chest with enlarged veins is sometimes called Mondor disease.
Codes
ICD10CM:
I80.9 – Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site
SNOMEDCT:
2477008 – Superficial thrombophlebitis
I80.9 – Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site
SNOMEDCT:
2477008 – Superficial thrombophlebitis
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Cellulitis / erysipelas
- Arthropod bite or sting
- Sporotrichosis
- Mycobacterium marinum infection
- Lymphangitis
- Deep venous thrombosis / thrombophlebitis
- Herpesvirus infections (herpes simplex virus, herpetic whitlow, zoster) may demonstrate lymphangitic streaking
- Angioedema
- Urticaria
- Contact dermatitis (allergic, irritant)
- Eosinophilic cellulitis
- Fixed drug eruption
- Necrotizing fasciitis
- Postphlebitic (thrombotic) syndrome
- Soft tissue injury
- Septic thrombophlebitis
- Erythema nodosum
- Lymphedema
- Lyme disease
- Tinea corporis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
- Varicose veins
Best Tests
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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 Updated:08/21/2017