Superficial Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of thrombophlebitis (superficial phlebitis). Family history Social anamnesis Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you have any pain? If yes, when does the pain occur? Where is the pain localized? Have you also noticed redness, swelling, and/or induration of the affected … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Medical History

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Allergic and other dermatoses (skin diseases). Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels) Deep vein thrombosis of the leg (TBVT) Varicophlebitis – inflammation of a varicose vein. Vasculitis (inflammatory disease of blood vessels due to autoimmunological processes). Vasculitis, stress-induced. Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Incipient erysipelas – Acute skin … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic goals Pain relief Prevention of pulmonary embolism (vascular occlusion of pulmonary arteries) and post-thrombotic syndrome (chronic venous congestion affecting the lower extremity as a result of deep vein thrombosis) Note: Therapy must be guided primarily by the duplex sonographic findings, i.e., the extent and location of the thrombus. Therapy recommendations Analgesia (analgesics/pain relievers) (Note: … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Drug Therapy

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Diagnostic Tests

Usually, medical device diagnostics are not required. Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification Compression phlebosonography (KUS, synonym: vein compression sonography); sonography (ultrasound examination) to document and check the compressibility of the deep veins of the legs and arms) … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Diagnostic Tests

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Surgical Therapy

If possible, varicothrombosis should be removed by a stab incision (making an incision with a scalpel) or surgery. This often already leads to rapid freedom from symptoms. Afterwards, the patient should get plenty of exercise. Note: In the case of varicophlebitis (= superficial venous thrombosis of a varicose vein (OVT)/varicose vein), rehabilitation of the varicosis … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Surgical Therapy

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Prevention

To prevent thrombophlebitis (superficial phlebitis), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Tobacco (smoking) Obesity (overweight) Medication Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Other risk factors Immobility Hospitalization Pregnancy and postpartum Trauma (injuries) Vein wall injury Intravenous catheter (indwelling vein cannula). Intravenous infusions of … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Prevention

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate thrombophlebitis (superficial phlebitis): Leading symptoms Signs of inflammation (erythema/redness and pain* ). Swelling Hardening Pressure-sensitive strand in the vein course * Painfulness of a superficial vein segment. Note Patients may also complain of long-lasting “muscle soreness”. Superficial venous thrombosis is nowadays added to the spectrum of venous thromboembolism. … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) Thrombophlebitis is a phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) of superficial veins that leads to thrombosis (occlusion of the vein) (= superficial venous thrombosis, OVT). There are three factors that can contribute to the development of a thrombus (Virchow’s triad) Endothelial changes (vessel wall changes) such as those caused by atherosclerosis (hardening … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Causes

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Therapy

General measures Immediate mobilization (walking) Cooling and compression (the latter usually for 3 months). Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program. BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Therapy

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by thrombophlebitis (superficial phlebitis): Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT; predominantly distal; 6-25-36% of cases). Pulmonary embolism, asymptomatic (2-5-13%; confirmed by systematic pulmonary scans) Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Bacterial infections

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin Extremities (including measurement of lower leg circumference bilaterally) [signs of inflammation (redness and pain), swelling, induration; pressure-sensitive strand in vein course] Square brackets [ ] … Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Examination

Superficial Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Test and Diagnosis

As a rule, laboratory diagnostics are not necessary. 2nd-order laboratory parameters-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters-for differential diagnostic clarification D-dimer – for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Differential diagnosis of vasculitis.