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Updated: May 20, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
[Superficial venous thrombosis. A review]
1Angiologie, Medizinische Universitätsklinik Bruderholzspital, 4101 Bruderholz, Schweiz. Christina.Jeanneret@ksbh.ch
Summary
Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a clot in veins near the skin surface, posing risks like deep vein thrombosis. Low molecular weight heparin and fondaparinux are effective treatments for SVT.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
Context:
- Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is often misdiagnosed as thrombophlebitis.
- SVT occurs in intra- or epifascial veins and can be linked to serious conditions.
Purpose:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and emerging therapeutic strategies for SVT.
- To highlight the potential association of SVT with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Summary:
- SVT is a thrombosis within superficial veins, distinct from simple inflammation.
- Underlying conditions like malignancy, infection, and coagulation disorders require consideration in SVT patients.
- New evidence supports anticoagulants like low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and fondaparinux over placebo for SVT treatment.
Impact:
- Clarifies the nature of SVT and its associated risks, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Provides evidence-based therapeutic recommendations, including the use of LMWH and fondaparinux.
- Offers guidance on adjunctive compression therapy, differentiating its use in varicose versus normal veins.
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