Thrombophlebitis Health Article

Definition

Thrombophlebitis is swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a blood clot.

Alternative Names

Phlebitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The following increase your chances for thrombophlebitis:

• Being hospitalized for a major surgery or with a major illness
• Disorders that make you more likely to develop blood clots
• Sitting for a long period of time (such as on a long airplane trip)

There are two main types of thrombophlebitis:

• Deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins)
• Superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface)

Symptoms

The following symptoms are often associated with thrombophlebitis:

• Inflammation (swelling) in the part of the body affected
• Pain in the part of the body affected
• Skin redness (not always present)
• Warmth and tenderness over the vein

Signs and tests

The health care provider can usually diagnose the condition based on how the affected area looks. You may need to have your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, skin condition, and circulation frequently checked to make sure you don't have complications.

If the cause cannot be easily identified, one or more of the following tests may be done:

• Blood coagulation studies
• Doppler ultrasound
• Venography