Superficial venous thrombosis has an estimated incidence of 0.3 to 1.5 events per 1000 person-years and a prevalence of 3 to 11%, requiring accurate management to prevent deep circulation extension.
This review highlights that superficial venous thrombosis is not a benign condition, as it carries risks of deep vein extension and pulmonary embolism, necessitating accurate diagnosis and management.
Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT), an inflammatory-thrombotic process of a superficial vein, is a relatively common event that may have several different underlying causes. This phenomenon has been generally considered benign, and its prevalence has been historically underestimated; the estimated incidence ranges from about 0.3 to 1.5 event per 1000 person-years, while the prevalence is approximately 3 to 11%, with different reports depending on the population studied. However, such pathology is not free of complications; indeed, it could extend to the deep circulation and embolize to pulmonary circulation. For this reason, an ultrasound examination is recommended to evaluate the extension of SVT and to exclude the involvement of deep circulation. Also, SVT may be costly, especially in the case of recurrence. Therefore, accurate management is necessary to prevent sequelae and costs related to the disease. This review aims to analyse the epidemiology of SVT, its complications, optimal medical treatment, and open questions with future perspectives.
Mangiafico et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Superficial venous thrombosis. Superficial venous thrombosis has an estimated incidence of 0.3 to 1.5 events per 1000 person-years and a prevalence of 3 to 11%, requiring accurate management to prevent deep circulation extension.