Thrombophlebitis is inflammation in a vein in an area where a blood
clot has formed. Often the term thrombophlebitis is shortened to
"phlebitis."
There are two types of phlebitis.
- Superficial phlebitis occurs when a blood clot
and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin. This
type of phlebitis rarely causes a serious problem.
- Deep vein
phlebitis occurs when a blood clot and inflammation are deep inside a vein in a
leg, the lower abdomen (pelvis), or, rarely, the arm. In deep vein phlebitis, a
blood clot may break away and travel to the lungs, where it may block a blood
vessel (a condition known as pulmonary embolus).
Symptoms of deep vein phlebitis may include swelling, warmth, pain,
or tenderness in the affected area (most often a leg). Chest pain that occurs
with deep vein phlebitis may mean a blood clot has traveled to the lung.
Deep vein phlebitis requires evaluation and treatment by a doctor.
It is usually treated with medications that prevent clotting
(anticoagulants).
