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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
10:26
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Occult deep venous thrombosis complicating superficial thrombophlebitis
R M Blumenberg1, E Barton, M L Gelfand
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY, USA.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|March 24, 1998
Summary
Superficial thrombophlebitis can extend into the deep venous system, potentially causing pulmonary embolism. Duplex ultrasound is recommended for thigh superficial thrombophlebitis to detect deep venous involvement.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Superficial thrombophlebitis (STP) is often considered a benign condition.
- Its potential to involve the deep venous system (DVS) and lead to pulmonary embolism is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of STP extending into the DVS.
- To determine if such extension poses a risk for pulmonary embolization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of venous duplex ultrasound examinations.
- Analysis of 8313 limbs over a two-year period to identify cases of STP and DVT.
Main Results:
- Of 232 limbs with STP, 8.6% extended into the DVS.
- Proximal greater saphenous vein involvement was common, with extension into the common femoral vein.
- One case of pulmonary embolism was directly observed during scanning in a limb with DVS involvement.
Conclusions:
- STP can extend into the DVS, particularly from the greater saphenous vein.
- Extension into the DVS necessitates standard deep venous thrombosis treatment.
- Duplex imaging is recommended for thigh STP to rule out occult DVT.
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