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Thrombosis of superficial leg veins: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Thrombosis of the superficial veins of the legs is the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein of the upper or lower limb or (less commonly) in one or more veins of the chest or mammary gland (Mondor's disease).
What causes superficial vein thrombosis in the legs?
Superficial venous thrombosis in the upper extremity usually results from venous catheterization. Varicose veins are probably the major risk factor in the lower extremity, especially among women. Superficial venous thrombi rarely cause serious complications and rarely cause embolism.
Symptoms of superficial vein thrombosis of the legs
Typically, patients develop superficial, often painful or tense, tortuous vessels associated with palpable normal superficial veins. The overlying skin is usually warm to the touch and hyperemic. Migratory superficial venous thrombosis, which appears, resolves, and recurs in normal veins of the arms, legs, and trunk at various times, may be a precursor to pancreatic cancer and other adenocarcinomas (Trousseau syndrome).
[ What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Treatment of superficial vein thrombosis of the legs
Treatment traditionally involves warm compresses and NSAIDs, but local thrombectomy under local anesthesia is very effective.