Also Known As:

What is Superficial Vein Thrombosis?

Thrombosis is a general term describing the condition that occurs when a blood clot develops within a blood vessel, causing the blood flow to be restricted or completely stopped.

Superficial Vein Thrombosis is a type of Venous Thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein close to the surface of the skin. Superficial vein blood clots typically form in the legs and arms, but can also develop in other areas of the body.

Superficial Vein Thrombosis can, in rare cases, develop into a very serious condition called a Pulmonary Embolism. This occurs when blood clots in the veins break loose, travel through the bloodstream and block the flow of blood to the lungs.

Causes

Virchow’s Triad (or the Triad of Virchow), describes the three broad categories that are thought to contribute to Thrombosis:
•   Hypercoagulability: Abnormalities in blood coagulation, fibrinolytic pathways, and in platelet function
•   Vascular Wall Injury/Dysfunction: Injuries and/or trauma to the interior lining of blood vessels
•   Circulatory Stasis: The slowing or stopping of blood flow

Factors that can increase the risk of developing Superficial Vein Thrombosis include:
•   Recent IV Catheter, or injection into a vein
•   Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis
•   Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying.
•   Varicose Veins
•   Pregnancy
•   Infections
•   Blood-clotting disorders
•   Being overweight or obese
•   Smoking
•   Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
•   Old age
•   Heart failure
•   Cancer and cancer treatment
•   Stroke or injury that caused paralysis of the arms or legs
•   Injury or surgery

Symptoms

A common symptom of Superficial Vein Thrombosis is a reaction called Thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Other symptoms include:

•   Redness and inflammation of the skin along a vein
•   Warmth of the skin and tissue around the vein
•   Tenderness and pain that worsens with added pressure
•   Darkening of the skin over the vein
•   Hardening of the vein

If a person notices any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention because Superficial Vein Thrombosis is also associated with more serious medical conditions.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Superficial Vein Thrombosis is diagnosed by a Doctor using a physical examination, blood tests and scans. The Doctor may also order the following tests:
•   Ultrasound Scan
•   D-Dimer blood test
•   Venogram
•   X-Ray

The severity of the Superficial Vein Thrombosis will determine the exact treatment used. The main treatments include:
•   Anticoagulant Medications
•   Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
•   Antibiotic Medications
•   Compression stockings
•   Surgery
•   Physical activity

Additional Information

Also see: Thrombosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Thrombophlebitis