Superficial vein Thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a common inflammatory-thrombotic disorder in which a thrombus develops in a vein located near the surface of the skin (Markovic et al., 1997) Most superficial veins that develop thrombosis also have phlebitis, in contrast to deep venous thrombosis (DVT), a sometimes asymptomatic condition in which phlebitis may be absent Although superficial thrombophlebitis usually occurs in the lower extremities (saphenous vein of the leg), it also has been described in the penis and the breast (Mondor disease) (Nazir and Khan.2010) It can also develop anywhere that medical interventions occur, as in the arm or neck (external jugular vein) when intravenous (IV) catheters are used. (Kagel and Rayan.2004) Thrombosis of superficial veins has long been regarded as a benign disorder and a selflimiting, however, it can be complicated by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and even pulmonary embolism (PE). 65.6% of patients who presented with great saphenous vein thrombosis were found to have associated DVT (Ascher et al., 2003) .