The incidence of deep venous thrombosis in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was, first, to determine the incidence of underlying occult deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis and, second, to see if any risk factors are helpful in identifying these patients.


METHODS
Forty-four consecutive patients with a clinical and duplex ultrasound-confirmed diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis were assessed for DVT. All patients had a duplex ultrasound study of the deep venous system. Standard thrombosis risk factors were assessed for each patient.


RESULTS
Ten patients (23%) had DVT. All cases were clinically occult. One patient had propagated thrombus in the common femoral vein. Three patients had popliteal vein thrombi. The remaining patients had calf vein thrombus only. Four of these were not in continuity with the superficial thrombus. The site of the superficial thrombophlebitis was not predictive of DVT. None of the known venous thrombotic risk factors were helpful in identifying patients at risk for DVT.


CONCLUSIONS
Noninvasive deep venous studies are recommended in all patients with lower limb superficial thrombophlebitis because of the high incidence of occult DVT. Patients with DVT can then be treated appropriately.
Jorgensen
J O
JO
Vascular Unit, St. George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Hanel
K C
KC
Morgan
A M
AM
Hunt
J M
JM
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography