ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Thrombophlebitis

What is Thrombophlebitis?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is an inflammatory condition that causes the formation of a thrombus or blood clot that obstructs certain veins, usually in the lower limbs, due to vein damage, a genetic coagulation disorder, prolonged immobility as a result of hospitalization or a long trip, as well as various injuries.

Like any disease, certain factors can contribute to the onset of thrombophlebitis, such as:

  • Stroke.
  • Family history of coagulation disorders or a tendency to develop clots.
  • Cancer.
  • Recent pregnancy or childbirth.
  • Previous episodes of thrombophlebitis.
  • Smoking.
  • Prolonged inactivity due to long trips or hospitalization.
  • Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies.
  • Varicose veins.
  • Overweight or obesity.
  • Being an older adult.
  • Having a catheter or pacemaker.

There are two types of thrombophlebitis:

  • Superficial: when the damaged vein is close to the surface of the skin.
  • Deep vein: when it is inside a muscle.

Signs and symptoms Thrombophlebitis

The characteristic symptoms consist of:

Superficial thrombosis:

  • Heat, tenderness, and pain in the affected area.
  • Redness and swelling.

Deep vein thrombosis:

  • Pain.
  • Inflammation.

If you have these symptoms and a family history of thrombophlebitis, you must see your doctor so that they can assess you and establish the necessary preventive measures to avoid complications. <}97{>> In the case of superficial thrombophlebitis, complications are minimal, but deep vein thrombosis can cause serious situations:

  • Pulmonary embolism.
  • Postphlebitic or postthrombotic syndrome that causes permanent and disabling pain and inflammation.

Diagnosis and treatment Thrombophlebitis

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination to check the affected veins close to the surface of the skin and will request blood tests and an ultrasound to determine the type of thrombosis you suffer from.

The treatment plan will focus on relieving symptoms and preventing possible complications, which may include:

  • Anticoagulants.
  • Compression socks.
  • Elimination of varicose veins through small incisions.
  • Vena cava filter to prevent thrombi in the legs from being trapped before they reach the lungs.

At the ABC Medical Center Internal Medicine Department we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, of chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Fuentes:

  • trombo.info
  • patologiavascular.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Del Sol PM, Suárez GK, Nápoles VA, et al. Protocolo del síndrome de inmovilización en el paciente geriátrico hospitalizado. Rev Cub de Med Fis y Rehab. 2019;11(3):1-11.
  • Hernández CCM, Pérez NV, Guerrero AO, et al. Tromboflebitis superficial de la vena toracoepigástrica: enfermedad de Mondor. Dermatología Cosmética, Médica y Quirúrgica. 2018;16(2):157-160.
  • Brenes AM. Tromboflebitis superficial. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2019;4(03):50-57.
  • Uribe GG, Sigler ML, Gutiérrez CAR, et al. Tromboflebitis toracoabdominal. Enfermedad de Mondor. Rev Mex Angiol. 2012;40(2):57-60.

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