Superficial vein thrombosis and hypercoagulable states: the evidence.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the demographic features of superficial vein thrombosis and its relation with the occurrence of hypercoagulable states.


METHODS
Data were gathered from pertinent papers using a MEDLINE search and an exhaustive bibliography review. Studies were considered only when they contained material to superficial vein thrombosis and hypercoagulable states.


RESULTS
The difference among the patients and the methods used made the comparison difficult and did not allow a pool analysis of the data. Superficial vein thrombosis is a common condition, and its prevalence is underestimated. Several risk factors are associated with superficial vein thrombosis, and a strong relation was seen with certain thrombophilias.


CONCLUSIONS
Although superficial vein thrombosis most often is perceived as benign, it can coexist with hypercoagulable states. In patients with spontaneous onset of superficial vein thrombosis, there should be a lower threshold in testing for hypercoagulable states.
Leon
Luis R
LR
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. lleon@lumc.edu
Labropoulos
Nicos
N
D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000453:epidemiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*