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Superficial Thrombophlebitis
DefinitionThrombophlebitis involves inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot inside the vein. With superficial thrombophlebitis, the clot is in a vein that is just below the surface of the skin.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Superficial thrombophlebitis may occur after the recent use of an intravenous (IV) line, after trauma to the vein, or for no apparent reason in persons at risk for thrombophlebitis.
Risks for superficial thrombophlebitis include the following:
- Disorders that involve increased likelihood of blood clotting
- Infection
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Varicose veins
- Chemical irritation of the area
- Sitting or being immobilized for a prolonged period
The risk is also increased in women by current or recent pregnancy as well as by the use of oral contraceptives.
Superficial thrombophlebitis may occasionally be associated with abdominal cancers (such as carcinoma of the pancreas), deep vein thrombosis, and thromboangiitis obliterans.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Blood Clots
• Cellulitis
• Deep Venous Thrombosis
• Gastric Cancer
• Pancreatic Carcinoma
• Pulmonary Embolus
• Scleroma
• Septic Shock
• Thromboangiitis Obliterans
• Varicose Veins
Tests & Exams
• Antithrombin III
• Blood Culture
• Blood Pressure
• Doppler Ultrasound Exam of An Extremity
• Extremity Arteriography
• Pulse
Surgery & Procedures
• Varicose Vein Surgery
Other Topics
• Benign
• Intravenous
• Leg Pain
• Pain Medications
• Paleness
• Rashes
• Swelling
Review Date : 11/4/2002
Reviewed By : Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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