Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Longitudinal US image of the antecubital fossa shows an echogenic clot in the basilic vein (arrows).

Facts: Superficial Thrombophlebitis

• Also known as superficial venous thrombosis
• Presence of thrombus in the lumen of superficial vein, followed by inflammation of the wall and adjacent tissues
• Variable degree of severity, can be in small venous tributaries but can extend into deep veins or, uncommonly, result in pulmonary embolism
• Related to Virchow's triad
• Prodromes of many systemic diseases (neoplasm, arteriopathy, collagen vascular disease) and syndromes (Trousseau, Mondor disease, Lemierre, Buerger disease)

Imaging

• Color Doppler US provides definitive diagnosis by showing clot, uncompressibility, absence of flow

Reference:

Sobreira ML, Yoshida WB, Lastoria S. Superficial thrombophlebitis: epidemiology, physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment. J Vasc Bras 2008;7. Available here.