Superficial vein thrombosis

Patients with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) should be advised to continue with normal activities and to keep the affected leg elevated when sitting or resting. They should be advised to seek medical attention or come back for follow-up if there is no improvement or if there is worsening of leg symptoms. This may suggest extension into the deep venous system. Similarly, new symptoms of dyspnea or chest pain should prompt immediate medical attention to rule out pulmonary embolism.

Patients should be educated and instructed to seek medical attention with regard to potential bleeding complications related to anticoagulant and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, or if there are symptoms or signs of infected thrombosis (e.g., fever, purulent discharge).

Women with SVT secondary to use of oral contraceptives or other hormonal agents should generally be advised to avoid these medications in the future, though the risk of recurrence with these medications depends on age and other factors such as smoking.

Patients with SVT in the setting of varicose veins should be informed that there is a high likelihood of recurrence and that surgical intervention for varicose therapy may be warranted with repeated SVT episodes.