Thrombosis of superficial veins of legs: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thrombosis of superficial veins of the legs - the formation of a thrombus in the superficial vein of the upper or lower limb, or (more rarely) in one or more veins of the chest or breast (Mondor's disease).
What causes thrombosis of the superficial veins of the legs?
Superficial venous thrombosis in the upper limb is usually the result of venous catheterization. The varico-dilated veins are probably the main risk factor for the lower limb, especially among women. Surface venous thrombi rarely cause serious complications and rarely cause embolism.
Symptoms of thrombosis of superficial veins of the legs
As a rule, patients develop superficial, often painful or tense convoluted vessels associated with palpable normal superficial veins. The skin above them is usually warm to the touch and is hyperemic. Migrating thrombosis of superficial veins that appears, resolves and recurs in the unaltered veins of the hands, lower limbs and trunk at different times may be a harbinger of pancreatic cancer and other adenocarcinomas (Tissaurd syndrome).
[What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Treatment of thrombosis of superficial veins of the legs
Treatment traditionally includes warm compresses and NSAIDs, but local thrombectomy under local anesthesia is very effective.