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Thrombophlebitis

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).

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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