Thrombophlebitis

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Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is inflammation in a vein in an area where a blood clot has formed. Often the term thrombophlebitis is shortened to "phlebitis."

There are two types of phlebitis.

Superficial phlebitis occurs when a blood clot and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin. This type of phlebitis rarely causes a serious problem.
Deep vein phlebitis occurs when a blood clot and inflammation are deep inside a vein in a leg, the lower abdomen (pelvis), or, rarely, the arm. In deep vein phlebitis, a blood clot may break away and travel to the lungs, where it may block a blood vessel (a condition known as pulmonary embolus).

Symptoms of deep vein phlebitis may include swelling, warmth, pain, or tenderness in the affected area (most often a leg). Chest pain that occurs with deep vein phlebitis may mean a blood clot has traveled to the lung.

Deep vein phlebitis requires evaluation and treatment by a doctor. It is usually treated with medications that prevent clotting (anticoagulants).

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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