-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cardiovascular system
thrombophlebitis
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
inflammation of a vein before the formation of a thrombus
etiology:
injury to the venous lining (e.g. from catheterization), hypercoagulability (e.g. from oral contraceptives, hyperlipidemia), and immobility (e.g. paralysis, post-operatively)
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms: developing over hours to 1-2 days
fever is often present
involved vein is extremely tender, warm, bluish
superficial veins may be prominent
(+) Homan's sign
in superficial venous insufficiency, the veins may be dilated and hard as cords; there is edema, redness, warmth and tenderness
surrounding area is red and edematous
lab findings:
(+) venogram
(+) Doppler
(+) isotope venography
(+) plethysmography
may be septic if recurrent, with increased WBC count and marked left shift
DIC may present, with azotemia and shock
course and prognosis
Typically, the disease is self-limiting and lasts for 1-2 weeks. Deep venous thrombosis may cause chronic venous insufficiency. Death may occur by pulmonary embolism causing significant damage to the lungs.
differential diagnosis
chronic venous insufficiency
varicose veins
footnotes