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Phlebitis

The term phlebitis refers to the forming of a blood clot (thrombosis) that obstructs partly or entirely the blood flow in a vein, most often in a leg vein.

It can affect either a superficial or a deep vein. If the clot is formed in a deep vein, a medical treatment MUST be provided quickly. Indeed, there is a risk for the clot to move and obstruct the blood flow to the lungs ; this is called a pulmonary embolism.

Phlébite profonde

This is a very serious situation, occasionally fatal especially in case of recurrence, and often unnoticed.

Phlebitis often appear after a period of prolonged immobilization (after a surgical intervention, when wearing a plaster cast or after a long flight, etc).tc).

That is why all these situations require a preventive anticoagulant treatment, in the form of daily subcutaneous injections of low-molecular-weight heparin.

Symptoms

Douleur au molletSuperficial phlebitis :

Deep phlebitis :

WARNING. In case of swelling (oedema) or of sudden pain in the leg, one must avoid massaging the affected area. It might aggravate the situation.

WARNING. When such symptoms are present, consulting a doctor quickly is necessary to prevent pulmonary embolism. In order to confirm the diagnosis of a deep phlebitis, the doctor will perform a Venous Doppler Ultrasound – which is the reference examination.

Predisposing factors

Treatments

Superficial phlebitis

Generally, the situation gets better in 1 or 2 weeks.

Deep phlebitis