A benign disorder characterized by erythema, tenderness, and edema along involved vein. Conservative therapy includes local heat, elevation, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. More serious conditions such as cellulitis or lymphangitis may present similarly, but these are associated with fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, and red superficial streaks along inflamed lymphatic channels.
More serious condition that may lead to pulmonary embolism as described in Chap. 135 Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Deep-Vein Thrombosis.
Results from prior DVT or venous valvular incompetence and manifests as chronic dull ache in leg that worsens with prolonged standing, edema, and superficial varicosities. May lead to erythema, hyperpigmentation, and recurrent cellulitis; ulcers may appear at medial and lateral malleoli. Treatment includes graduated compression stockings and leg elevation. Associated varicose veins can be treated with endovenous thermal ablation, sclerotherapy or surgery.