Superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis
Other namesSuperficial vein thrombosis (SVT)
Superficial thrombophlebitis as seen by ultrasound

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a thrombosis and inflammation of superficial veins presenting as a painful induration (thickening) with erythema, often in a linear or branching configuration with a cordlike appearance.:826–7

Superficial thrombophlebitis is due to inflammation and/or thrombosis, and, less commonly, infection of the vein. It is generally a benign, self-limiting disorder; however, it can be complicated by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and even pulmonary embolism (PE) Migratory superficial thrombophlebitis is known as Trousseau's syndrome, which can be an early sign of cancer.

When it (rarely) occurs on the breast or anterior chest wall it has been called Mondor's disease. It sometimes occurs in the arm or penis.:827 In axilla, this condition is known as axillary web syndrome.