Thrombophlebitis

Alternative names:

phlebitis

Definition:

Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein; thrombophlebitis is vein inflammation related to a blood clot.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Common causes of vein inflammation include local irritation (for example, because of an IV line), infection in or near a vein, and blood clots.

See the specific disorders associated with thrombophlebitis:

• superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface)
• deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins)
• pelvic vein thrombophlebitis