Superficial Venous Thrombosis in Non-Varicose Veins: A Narrative Review

Background: Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is an inflammatory and thrombotic disorder affecting superficial veins. While varicose veins (VVs) are the primary risk factor, SVT occurring in non-varicose veins (NVVs) is a critical clinical finding, often acting as a sentinel marker for severe systemic pathologies. Aims: This review aims at examining incidence, mechanisms, underlying causes, and clinical outcomes of SVT within the NVV population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the existing medical literature. Results: SVT in NVVs is frequently associated with systemic conditions, including inherited or acquired thrombophilia, visceral or hematologic malignancies (notably Trousseau's syndrome), vasculitis (e.g., Behçet's syndrome), and connective tissue disorders. Specific manifestations like migratory SVT or Mondor's disease provide crucial diagnostic clues. Notably, NVV-SVT carries a significantly higher risk of recurrence and venous thromboembolic events compared to VV-associated cases. Conclusions: A thorough diagnostic work-up is essential for patients with NVV-SVT to ensure early detection of underlying systemic diseases. Although current management does not differentiate between VV and NVV cases, the increased thromboembolic risk in the latter suggests a need for tailored therapeutic approaches. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate differentiated anticoagulant strategies regarding dosage and duration for this high-risk population.