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Superficial thrombophlebitis

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Wrist pain along dorsal radial aspect - Few days.

Patient Data

Age: About 45 - 50 yrs
Gender: Male
ultrasound

1st extensor comparment is normal.  Two superficial venous lumen are noted on either side of it.

One of these two is echogenic, poorly compressible and the other is anechoic, compressible.

Tracing in long axis of venous channels reveals echogenic, non-compressible, poorly compressible lumen of a superficial vein in distal forearm - wrist - hand affecting about 10 cm long segment.

No flow is noted within lumen.

No tenosynovitis / tendinosis is noted in the extensor compartments.

No dorsal ganglion is noted.

No effusion is noted at radiocarpal / intercarpal joints.

No thrombosis of radial artery is noted at wrist.

Case Discussion

As the pain was 'non-traumatic' origin and along radial - dorsal aspect of wrist, De Q tenosynovitis was one of two clinical impressions.  The other was thrombophlebilitis, because pain was along a longer course and a little away from radial styloid process.

Ultrasound was referred to differenciate between two.

Patient had recent ( about 1 wk back ) hospitalization for other complaint. And Intraveous line was taken in affected wrist. 

Findings suggest superficial venous thrombus in hand - wrist - distal forearm.

 

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