[Superficial venous thrombosis. A review]

This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis and new therapeutic options of the superficial venous thrombosis. An important new finding is, that the thrombophlebitis is actually a thrombosis, which occurs in an intra- or epifascial vein. It can be associated with deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, thus carrying considerable risk. Other underlying diseases such as underlying tumors or infections as well as acquired or inherited disorders of coagulation must be considered. New placebo-controlled studies show a clear benefit for low molecular weight heparin or the pentasaccharide fondaparinux. In addition to the medical treatment, compression is recommended for superficial venous thrombosis in varicose veins, but not in normal veins.