Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is phlebitis (vein inflammation) related to a thrombus (blood clot). When it occurs repeatedly in different locations, it is known as "Thrombophlebitis migrans", "migrating thrombophlebitis" or Trousseau's syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

The following symptoms are often (but not always) associated with thrombophlebitis:

Although, note that thrombophlebitis is not restricted to the veins of the lower limbs (leg), but can also occur in arm veins.

Causes

Thrombophlebitis (another medical term is "White Leg") is related to a thrombus in a superficial vein. Risk factors include disorders related to increased tendency for blood clotting, injury to vein wall, and reduced speed of blood in the veins such as varices and prolonged immobility. Prolonged traveling by car or airplane may promote a blood clot leading to thrombophlebitis but this occurs relatively rarely. Specific disorders associated with thrombophlebitis include superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface), deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins), and pulmonary embolism. High estrogen states such as pregnancy, estrogen replacement therapy, or oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of thrombophlebitis. Those with familial clotting disorders such as Protein S deficiency, Protein C deficiency, or Factor V Leiden are also at increased risk of thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis can be found in people with vasculitis including Behçet's disease. Thrombophlebitis migrans can be a sign of malignancies such as pancreatic carcinoma (Trousseau sign of malignancy).