Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis
Radiological image showing thrombosis of the great saphenous vein.
Classification and external resources
Specialty	cardiology
ICD-10	I80, I82.1
ICD-9-CM	451
MedlinePlus	001108
MeSH	D013924
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Thrombophlebitis is phlebitis or vein inflammation related to a thrombus, which is a blood clot. When it occurs repeatedly in different locations, it is known as thrombophlebitis migrans, (migrating thrombophlebitis) indicated by the Trousseau sign of malignancy.

The following symptoms/signs are often, but not always, associated with thrombophlebitis: Although,one should note that thrombophlebitis is not restricted to the veins of the lower limbs (leg).

Thrombophlebitis causes include disorders related to increased tendency for blood clotting and reduced speed of blood in the veins such as prolonged immobility; prolonged traveling (sitting) may promote a blood clot leading to thrombophlebitis but this occurs relatively less. High estrogen states such as pregnancy, estrogen replacement therapy, or oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of thrombophlebitis. Specific disorders associated with thrombophlebitis include superficial thrombophlebitis which affects veins near the skin surface, deep venous thrombosis which affects deeper veins, and pulmonary embolism. Those with familial clotting disorders such as protein S deficiency, protein C deficiency, or factor V Leiden are also at increased risk of thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis can be found in people with vasculitis including Behçet's disease. Thrombophlebitis migrans can be a sign of malignancies such as pancreatic carcinoma.

In terms of complications, one of the most serious occurs when the superficial blood clot is associated with a deeper venous thrombosis; this can then dislodge, traveling through the heart and occluding the dense capillary network of the lungs This is a pulmonary embolism which can be life-threatening to the affected individual.

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