4 November 2020 Author : Marina Dias Neto Venous thrombosis, or thrombophlebitis , is the sudden formation of a blood clot ( thrombus ) inside a vein, which causes an inflammatory that involves vein wall. When not detected and / or not treated, this thrombus can extend to neighboring veins or migrate through the veins to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism. Despite being more common in people with varicose veins, venous thrombosis can also occur in people without varicose veins, especially: When they are immobilized: in bed, limbs in plaster, prolonged trips; During pregnancy; Surgery; Cancer. What are the symptoms of thrombophlebitis? Thrombi can form in both superficial and deep veins of the lower limbs. This different location influences the signs and symptoms of the disease: In superficial venous thrombosis, the most common are localized pain, redness, edema (swelling), induration and heat in the inflamed vein region; In deep vein thrombosis, inflammatory signs may be less visible, because they involve a vein less close to the skin. As the deep veins have a larger diameter, the main symptoms are edema with hardening of the subcutaneous tissue of the leg and pain on limb mobilization. Usually, the symptoms of thrombophlebitis develop suddenly and only in one leg , which becomes more painful and swollen compared to the other. Diagnosis and treatment In view of the aforementioned symptoms and / or in case of suspected venous thrombosis, help from a specialist in vascular surgery should be sought, since it is very important to make a diagnosis and thus be able to determine the treatment to be performed. The patient history, physical exam and an eco-Doppler of the veins of the lower limbs contribute to the diagnosis . In exceptional situations, other tests may also be necessary, such as CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography. The treatment of venous thrombosis is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on clinical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests findings: It implies the administration of anticoagulant drugs, orally or injectable. It also involves an assessment of the potential causes of thrombosis to prevent its recurrence. The objectives of anticoagulant therapy are: Prevent thrombus growth; Encourage recanalization, that is, the recovery of blood flow in the affected vein; Decrease the risk of pulmonary embolism; Prevent the formation of new thrombi. The most feared complication of untreated venous thrombosis is pulmonary embolism, as it can be fatal. Therefore, in case of suspected venous thrombosis, treatment should be started as soon as possible. Meet the vascular surgery team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
