Phlebitis

Background

  • Inflammation of vein

Clinical Features

  • Localized erythema, swelling, and pain/tenderness along vein
  • +/- palpable, indurated venous cord
  • +/- fever

Differential Diagnosis/Causes

  • Superficial thrombophlebitis due to VTE, chronic venous stasis
  • Trauma from peripheral venous access (iatrogenic or IVDU)
  • Medication infusion related
  • Infectious (septic or supparative phlebitis/thrombophlebitis)
    • Associated with IVDU, prolonged PIV catheter use, strep/toxic shock syndrome, post obstetric/gynecologic surgery (septic pelvic thrombophlebitis)
  • Vasculitis

Evaluation

Management

  • NSAIDs for pain
  • Compression
  • Antibiotics if infection present
  • Anticoagulation if associated with DVT or septic pelvic thrombophlebitis

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References