Gregory Piazza Superficial Vein Thrombosis A Review
Gregory Piazza Superficial Vein Thrombosis A Review
JAMA | Review
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IMPORTANCE Superficial vein thrombosis (SuVT) is characterized by thrombus in the Supplemental content
superficial veins, typically in the lower or upper extremities, and has an estimated annual
incidence of 64 to 131 per 100 000 person-years. Approximately 10% of patients with SuVT CME at jamacmelookup.com
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE SuVT typically presents as a tender, painful, palpable cord
under the skin. Management may include elastic compression stockings, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, and systemic anticoagulation with fondaparinux 2.5 mg or
rivaroxaban 10 mg. SuVTs within 3 cm of a deep vein should be treated with therapeutic dose
anticoagulation.
(Reprinted) E1
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Clinical Review & Education Review Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review
S
uperficial vein thrombosis (SuVT), defined as a thrombus ment). For data regarding epidemiology and risk factors, larger pro-
within the superficial veins of the lower or upper extremi- spective studies were prioritized. For evidence regarding treat-
ties, has an estimated annual incidence of 64 to 131 ment, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses based on
per 100 000 person-years.1,2 In comparison, the incidence of well-designed RCTs were prioritized. Additional articles were iden-
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is 147 to 179 cases per 100 000 tified from the reference lists of articles identified during the
person-years.3,4 SuVT is most common in the great saphenous and search. Of 200 articles identified, 83 were included, consisting of
small saphenous veins of the lower extremities and the basilic and 14 RCTs, 7 meta-analyses, 32 longitudinal observational studies, 29
cephalic veins of the upper extremities (Figure 1).5 SuVT can also review articles, and 1 cross-sectional study.
manifest in the chest wall, breasts, or penis (Mondor disease).6 If
untreated, the 45-day incidence of DVT or pulmonary embolism
(PE) and extension of SuVT in patients with lower extremity SuVT
Discussion
can be as high as 1.3% and 3.4%, respectively.7 This review sum-
marizes current evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment Pathophysiology
of SuVT. SuVT, which may occur due to venous stasis, endothelial injury,
and/or hypercoagulability, begins when a thrombus forms in a
superficial vein near the skin surface and partially or fully obstructs
blood flow (Figure 1 and Figure 2; eFigure 4 in the Supplement).8-10
Methods
Nearly 45% of lower extremity SuVTs occur in patients with vari-
A literature search of PubMed was conducted for English-language cose veins.11,12 Chronic venous insufficiency is observed in up to
articles using the search terms superficial vein thrombosis and half of patients with lower extremity SuVT and may result from
superficial thrombophlebitis. A search was conducted on Septem- venous obstruction and/or venous valvular incompetence.13,14
ber 1, 2023, for articles published between 1950 and 2023. A sec- Chronic venous thrombosis may obstruct venous return through
ond search was conducted on June 9, 2025, for articles published superficial veins. Venous valvular incompetence, failure of venous
between 2023 and 2025 (eTable 1 and eFigures 1-3 in the Supple- valves to function due to damaged venous valves or dilated veins,
Figure 1. Common Sites of Superficial Vein Thrombosis With a Brief Summary of the Pathophysiology
Cephalic vein
(57% of upper
extremity SuVT cases)
Lower extremity SuVT can result when insufficient blood flow
Basilic vein (such as due to vessel dilation), damaged venous valves, and inability
Anterior tibial vein (deep)
(14% of upper of calf muscles to pump blood efficiently initiates blood clotting.
extremity SuVT cases) Small saphenous vein,
posterior surface of leg Damaged
(25.7% of lower valve
extremity SuVT cases)
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Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review Review Clinical Review & Education
Figure 2. Flow Diagram Summarizing Approach to Diagnosis and Management of Superficial Vein Thrombosis
Patient presents with signs and symptoms of superficial vein thrombosis (SuVT)
Pain, erythema, swelling, and/or presence of tender palpable cord
Clinical presentation
Physical examination of extremity Risk factor assessment
to assess extent of symptoms Personal history of SuVT Pertinent clinical risk factors (active cancer, history of venous Thrombophilia (eg, seropositivity
thromboembolism [VTE], aged >65 y, use of estrogen-containing for antiphospholipid antibodies,
products or pregnancy, and acute immobility) Leiden V genetic variant)
Diagnosis
Duplex ultrasonographya of superficial and deep veins (can establish the diagnosis and demonstrate location and length of thrombus)
Duplex ultrasonography may not be necessary in patients with characteristic symptoms and signs of SuVT
who have a low likelihood of an alternative diagnosis or thrombus progression
Management of SuVT
LOWER EXTREMITY SuVT UPPER EXTREMITY SuVT
If an intravenous catheter is involved,
remove as soon as possible.
Thrombus is <3 cm from saphenofemoral
venous junction Thrombus is <3 cm from deep veins
NO YES
Treat as a DVT: therapeutic dose of anticoagulation YES NO
for a minimum of 3-6 mo
If there are multiple risk factors (eg, prior VTE, known thrombophilia, active cancer),
consider low-intensity anticoagulation (eg, fondaparinux 2.5 mg/d)
NSAID indicates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. presumed sensitivity and specificity. However, in cases with typical symptoms
a
Ultrasonography is considered the reference standard for evaluating and and a low likelihood of alternative diagnoses, thrombus progression, or deep
determining thrombus extension due to its accessibility, high resolution, and venous involvement, confirmatory imaging might not be required.
and the inability of calf muscles to pump blood effectively may also associated with SuVT.17,24,25 Inherited or acquired thrombophilia
contribute to venous hypertension.14,15 (eg, seropositivity for antiphospholipid antibodies) may also be as-
sociated with increased risk of SuVT.26,27
Risk Factors for SuVT The presence of impaired venous blood return, use of oral
Risk factors associated with SuVT include varicose veins, preg- contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy with estrogen or
nancy, cancer, and the presence of an upper extremity catheter.16 progesterone, immobility, and venous varicosities can contribute
Other risk factors and comorbidities associated with SuVT include to the pathogenesis of SuVT.1,7 Pregnancy is associated with in-
trauma, recent surgery, acute infection or active inflammation, his- creased rates of SuVT, likely related to compression of pelvic veins
tory of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and age 60 years or older by the uterus, decreased mobility, increased estrogen and coagu-
(Table 1; eTable 2 in the Supplement).1,7,16,18-23 Approximately 6.1% lation factors (eg, factors II, VII, VIII, IX, and XII), decreased protein
to 16.6% of people diagnosed with SuVT have active cancer. Colo- S levels, and inhibition of fibrinolysis.28-31 Risk of SuVT is highest dur-
rectal, breast, and urinary cancers are the most common cancer types ing the postpartum period (12 weeks postpartum) compared with
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Clinical Review & Education Review Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review
40.7 hours.20 The risk of SuVT does not significantly differ with the
Table 1. Summary of Common Risk Factors Associated With SuVT
use of more malleable silicone-based catheters compared with
Relationship to superficial
Risk factor venous thrombosis Comments
polyurethane-based catheters.36,37 In a retrospective study of 328
Varicose veins In a case-control study, Varicose veins are a common patients with upper extremity SuVT provoked by intravenous cath-
patients with SuVT were more risk factor for lower eters, the most common underlying predisposing conditions were
likely to have varicose veins extremity SuVT. Their
than patients without (43.7% association with upper hematologic malignancies (29.6%), solid cancers (11.3%), infec-
vs 5.3%; aOR, 12.1 [95% CI, extremity SuVT has not been tions or inflammatory conditions (35.1%), and hepatogastrointes-
5.2-28.2]).16 investigated.
tinal disorders (25.3%).38
Malignancy Cancer is a common While the thrombogenicity
comorbidity in patients with of cancer is well-known for
SuVT. Some,17 but not all,18 deep vein thrombosis and Epidemiology
studies suggest a higher risk pulmonary embolism, there
of future cancer diagnosis in are currently no matched The incidence of SuVT ranges from 64 to 131 per 100 000 person-
those with SuVT. cohort or case-control years (eTable 3 in the Supplement). A primary care–based prospec-
studies investigating
malignancy as a risk factor tive study from France conducted between 2011 and 2012 by the
for lower or upper extremity
SuVT.
Superficial Thromboembolism Prevalence High-risk (STEPH) group
Obesity In a case-control study, Although known as a risk (n = 265 687) reported an incidence of 64 cases of lower extrem-
patients with SuVT were more factor for lower extremity ity ultrasonography-confirmed SuVT per 100 000 person-years
likely to have obesity (BMI SuVT, its association with
>30)2 than patients without upper extremity SuVT is not (95% CI, 55-74).1 A retrospective cohort study that included all pa-
(36.4% vs 18.5%; aOR, 2.7 known. tients in the Utrecht General Practitioner Network in the Netherlands
[95% CI, 1.4-5.1]).16
(n = 1 534 845) conducted from 2010-2016 reported an incidence
Recent In a case-control study, Prospective data on past
immobilization patients with SuVT were more surgery/recent of 131 cases of lower extremity SuVT per 100 000 person-years
likely to have recent immobilization are limited (95% CI, 125-137).2
immobilization due to major for patients with upper
surgery or disease within 30 d extremity SuVT. SuVT is more common in females (incidence of 78 to 167
than patients without SuVT per 100 000 person-years) than males (incidence of 49 to 116 per
(14.6% vs 1.3%; aOR, 22.3
[95% CI, 4.8-103.9]).16 100 000 person-years),1,2 which may be due to a higher preva-
Pregnancy In a retrospective cohort Risk of SuVT is higher during lence of varicose veins in females. Approximately 50.5% of fe-
study, the incidence of SuVT the 12-week postpartum
during the antepartum and period compared with the males older than 18 years have varicose veins, compared with 30.1%
postpartum period was 0.6 antepartum period. Although in males older than 18 years.39 Pregnancy and the use of estrogen-
(95% CI, 0.5-0.6) per 1000 the risk of VTE during
person-years.19 pregnancy is well containing hormonal contraceptives may also be associated with an
established, no matched increased incidence of SuVT among females.40
cohort or case-control
studies have evaluated The most common sites of lower extremity SuVT are the great
pregnancy as a risk factor for saphenous vein (72.9%) and small saphenous vein (25.7%)
SuVT of the lower or upper
extremities. (Figure 1). SuVT located in the great saphenous vein can be identi-
Indwelling In a prospective study of 645 Indwelling catheters are the fied along the entire length of the vein, which runs from the medial
catheters patients receiving indwelling most common risk factors side of the foot up along the medial aspect of the lower leg and
catheters, SuVT was seen in for upper extremity SuVT;
51.9% of patients, with a however, more recent extends through the medial thigh, continuing to the inguinal region
mean placement time of prospective studies are
40.7 h.20 needed to determine the
(where the vein drains into the deep venous system near the
quantified magnitude of risk, groin). However, SuVT originating from tributaries, which are veins
stratified by catheter
diameter. that drain into the saphenous veins, especially those that connect
the superficial and deep vein systems (perforator veins), may be at
Abbreviations: aOR, adjusted odds ratio; BMI, body mass index (calculated as
weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared); SuVT, superficial vein an increased risk of DVT (Figure 1).41-43 Bilateral SuVT is present in
thrombosis. 5% to 10% of patients with SuVT and is associated with prothrom-
botic states such as cancer or autoimmune diseases.43,44 There is a
paucity of data on the prevalence of SuVT across different racial
the antepartum period, with an incidence of 1.6 vs 0.3 per 1000 per- and ethnic groups.
son-years, respectively.19
Approximately 16% to 36% of people with SuVT have obesity Clinical Presentation
(body mass index >30). Approximately 40% of individuals with Typical presenting symptoms of SuVT may include erythema, local-
thromboangiitis obliterans, a small- and medium-sized vessel vas- ized pain, swelling, pruritus, hyperpigmentation, and a tender pal-
culitis associated with smoking, develop SuVT in their lifetime.32,33 pable cord. Physical findings may show induration of the surround-
Indwelling catheters are the primary cause of upper extremity ing tissue.38,45 In a retrospective study of 316 patients with lower
SuVT. Large-bore catheters, specifically 14-gauge catheters that have extremity SuVT, 76.9% had localized pain in a superficial vein, 60.1%
not been changed from one site to another for more than 72 hours, had a palpable cord, and 58.2% had erythema.46 Patients with up-
are associated with a particularly high risk of SuVT.34,35 In a prospec- per extremity SuVT may develop these symptoms along a cannu-
tive study of 645 patients conducted over 4 months, thrombophle- lated vein.47 However, in a study of 120 patients with cancer receiv-
bitis occurred in 40.9% of 330 patients receiving polyurethane- ing chemotherapy who had ultrasonography performed after
based cannulas and 63.5% of 315 patients receiving Teflon-based peripheral catheter insertion at 1 and 3 months or if symptomatic,
cannulas.20 Although intravenous catheter dwell time in each group 31 (26%) developed an upper extremity SuVT over 3 months, but
was not available, the overall mean intravenous catheter time was only 7 were symptomatic.48
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Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review Review Clinical Review & Education
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Clinical Review & Education Review Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review
containing NSAIDs, and limb elevation (Table 2). Limb elevation and Superficial Thrombophlebitis Treated by Enoxaparin (STENOX) study
warm compresses have not been tested in high-quality RCTs.59 Com- group compared 4 treatments: enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously,
pression therapy, including elastic compression stockings, applies enoxaparin 1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously, oral tenoxicam 20 mg (a type
graduated pressure to the lower extremities with compression of NSAID), and placebo. All medications were administered once daily
strength highest at the ankles and decreasing proximally. This gradu- for 8 to 12 days in patients with isolated lower extremity SuVT mea-
ated compression promotes the return of venous blood flow, re- suring at least 5 cm.56 The primary outcome was incident DVT di-
duces venous stasis and venous hypertension, and may reduce agnosed by ultrasonography or symptomatic PE at 12-day follow-
thrombus propagation.60 A single-center RCT of 88 participants with up. The trial was stopped early due to slow recruitment after 427 of
SuVT who were treated with 40 mg of enoxaparin subcutaneously the planned 1260 individuals were randomized. The incidence of DVT
daily reported that, compared with a control group that did not re- was 0.9% in the 40-mg enoxaparin group, 1.0% in the 1.5-mg/kg
ceive compression stockings, thigh-length compression stockings enoxaparin group, 2.1% in the tenoxicam (not available in the US)
(23-32 mm Hg) for 3 weeks did not significantly reduce thrombus group, and 3.6% in the placebo group.56,63 There were no statisti-
length (decrease of 12.8 cm vs 6 cm; P = .07). Pain related to the SuVT cally significant differences in rates of DVT between therapy and pla-
was not significantly reduced (decrease of 42.6 mm Hg vs 43 mm cebo (enoxaparin 40 mg once daily: −2.69 [98.5% CI, −7.52 to 2.15];
Hg via the Lowenberg test by inflating a blood pressure cuff until pain enoxaparin 1.5 mg/kg once daily: −2.62 [98.5% CI, −7.53 to 2.28];
is felt; P = .81; 4.3 cm vs 3.5 cm via the visual analog scale; P = .33). and oral tenoxicam 20 mg once daily: −1.47 [98.5% CI, −7.09 to
However, this clinical trial may have lacked adequate statistical power 4.14]).56 No major bleeding events occurred.
to detect a smaller but meaningful treatment effect on thrombus In an RCT of 164 participants with SuVT of the greater saphe-
length.57 nous vein randomized to receive low-dose nadroparin (0.3 mL)
Topical over-the-counter treatments such as heparin ointment for 30 days or high-dose nadroparin (0.4 mL) for patients less than
or spray gel may relieve symptoms. Although heparin has anticoagu- 50 kg and +0.1 mL per additional 10 kg for patients above 50 kg
lant properties, when applied topically, it may reduce symptoms of for 10 days followed by half dose for 20 days, there was no signifi-
inflammation such as pain, redness, or tenderness.61,62 RCTs evalu- cant difference in the primary outcome of SuVT progression or VTE
ating topical treatments have been limited by small sample size, early at 3-month follow-up (8.6% vs 7.2%; absolute risk difference, 1.4
termination of the clinical trial, or absence of a placebo group.63 [95% CI, −6.9 to 9.7]).64
(eTable 4 in the Supplement). Although topical medications are the A noninferiority clinical trial randomized 472 patients with symp-
most common type of treatment evaluated in RCTs for upper extrem- tomatic SuVT greater than or equal to 5 cm above the knee and at
ity SuVT, the studies are typically low quality and limited by a small least 1 risk factor (eg, age >65 years, male sex, prior VTE, cancer, au-
sample size.47,63 Topical heparin requires a prescription and is avail- toimmune disease, non–varicose vein involvement) to receive riva-
able only at specialty compounding pharmacies in the US. There- roxaban 10 mg once daily or fondaparinux 2.5 mg once daily for 45
fore, NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen are typically used be- days. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of sympto-
cause they are readily available over the counter and inexpensive. matic DVT or PE, progression or recurrence of SuVT, or all-cause mor-
tality. The noninferiority margin was defined as an absolute differ-
Anticoagulation ence in the primary outcome of 4.5%. At 45-day follow-up, the
Although multiple RCTs have evaluated the effects of anticoagula- primary outcome occurred in 3.3% (95% CI, 1.6%-6.7%) of pa-
tion for patients with SuVT, most had small sample sizes (Table 2). The tients in the rivaroxaban group (7 of 211) and 1.8% (95% CI, 0.7%-
most widely studied intervention for lower extremity SuVT is sys- 4.5%) of patients in the fondaparinux group (4 of 244), indicating
temic anticoagulation,63 although no high-quality RCTs have evalu- noninferiority of rivaroxaban compared with fondaparinux (abso-
ated anticoagulation for treating upper extremity SuVT. The Com- lute difference, 1.53%; 1-sided upper bound CI limit, 4.03%; P value
parison of Arixtra in Lower Limb Superficial Thrombophlebitis With for noninferiority = .003) at day 45.55 However, the chosen nonin-
Placebo (CALISTO) RCT assessed the efficacy of a 45-day course of feriority margin of 4.5% in this trial was a large absolute difference,
fondaparinux (2.5 mg subcutaneously once daily) vs placebo in 3002 and a smaller clinically meaningful difference in clinical outcomes was
patientswithlowerextremitySuVTatleast5cminlengthlocatedmore not excluded.65 Tenoxicam and nadroparin (LMWH) are not avail-
than 3 cm from the saphenofemoral junction.7 The primary efficacy able in the US.8,56,64,66
outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, symptomatic VTE, NSAIDs may reduce discomfort in patients with SuVT, al-
symptomatic SuVT extension (toward the saphenofemoral junc- though high-quality RCTs are necessary.56 NSAIDs should be used
tion), or SuVT recurrence by day 47. The composite outcome oc- with caution in patients taking anticoagulants to decrease the risk
curred in 0.9% of participants in the fondaparinux group vs 5.9% of of gastrointestinal bleeding and other forms of bleeding.67
those in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.15 [95% CI, 0.08-0.26];
P < .001). The benefit of fondaparinux was primarily due to de- Surgical Intervention
creased SuVT recurrence and extension.7 Deaths occurred in 0.1% of After initiation of medical treatment, endovenous procedures, which
participants in each group.7 DVT or PE occurred in 3 patients (0.2%) close off or remove the lower extremity vein, may be considered to
treated with fondaparinux and 20 patients (1.3%) in the placebo group prevent SuVT recurrence, especially if venous reflux is identified on
(absolute risk difference, −1.1% [95% CI, −1.8% to −0.5%]). Rates of ultrasonography. Minimally invasive office-based treatments in-
bleeding were 1.0% in the fondaparinux group vs 0.9% in the pla- clude thermal ablation (radiofrequency or laser), in which an ultra-
cebo group.7 sonography-guided catheter is used to heat and close the vein, or
Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has been evaluated to sclerotherapy, in which liquid or foam is injected to collapse the af-
treat SuVT. A double-blind, double-dummy RCT conducted by the fected superficial vein. These procedures are typically performed by
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Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review Review Clinical Review & Education
endovenous experts such as vascular surgeons, interventional ra- wise) for 30 days with 49 patients who received standard-dose
diologists, and interventional cardiologists.68 More invasive proce- tinzaparin of 131 IU/kg for 90 days. Ninety days of tinzaparin was
dures may be considered, such as surgical ligation of the great sa- associated with fewer recurrent VTE and SuVT events (0/147 vs 15/
phenous vein at the saphenofemoral junction or removal of the 147) (P = .004).75 However, the study was limited by its observa-
affected veins. An RCT of 60 patients with SuVT in veins proximal tional design and by the lack of uniform-dose standardization in the
to the knee compared saphenofemoral disconnection (ligating the 30-day treatment group, where some patients received only 75%
great saphenous vein and femoral vein) with enoxaparin (1 mg/kg of the full therapeutic dose.
twice daily for 1 day, then once daily for 21 days). Although the study People with SuVT are at increased risk of recurrent SuVT,
did not report a prespecified and a priori powered primary out- thrombus extension, and subsequent DVT and PE. The POST study
come, clinical outcomes, including SuVT recurrence, subsequent evaluated thromboembolic complications in 844 patients with
VTE, and treatment-related complications, were assessed. There symptomatic lower extremity SuVT of at least 5-cm length mea-
were 3 thrombotic events in both the disconnection group (1 SuVT sured by compression ultrasonography.43 Among 586 patients
recurrence and 2 nonfatal PE; 10%) and the enoxaparin group (60% of whom received anticoagulation) presenting with isolated
(3 SuVT recurrences; 10%).58 Complications of the surgical wound, lower extremity SuVT, at 3-month follow-up, 10.2% (95% CI, 7.7%-
more specifically ecchymosis and infection, occurred in 2 patients 12.7%) developed VTE (2.1% were asymptomatic and 8.3% were
in the disconnection group (6.7%) and none in the enoxaparin group. symptomatic).43 In patients with SuVT, residual reflux, consisting of
Minor bleeding (epistaxis and rectal bleeding) occurred in 2 pa- retrograde blood flow in the superficial vein, may exacerbate
tients (6.7%) in the enoxaparin group, and no bleeding events oc- venous insufficiency, which may lead to venous ulcers; however, to
curred in the disconnection group.58 our knowledge, rates of venous ulcers in patients with SuVT have
The risk of DVT for patients with SuVT after endovenous pro- not been reported.76
cedures such as ablation, sclerotherapy, or ligation/stripping is un- Characteristics associated with a worse prognosis in people with
clear. A prospective, observational study of 872 patients with SuVT SuVT include a history of cancer, history of VTE, absence of vari-
and no concomitant VTE found that those receiving invasive treat- cose veins, male sex, and SuVT involving the saphenofemoral pop-
ment within 12 months of the index event did not have a signifi- liteal junction. In an analysis of the multinational Registro Informa-
cantly higher risk of VTE at 3-month follow-up than those not un- tizado Enfermedad Tromboembolica (RIETE) registry, among 1140
dergoing invasive treatment (7.6% vs 8.1%).69 Despite these findings, patients with SuVT, those with cancer (n = 110) had higher 3-month
many studies lacked a comparator group, included only patients with odds of VTE (4.5% vs 1.9%; odds ratio [OR], 4.92 [95% CI, 1.82-
varicose veins, and had small sample sizes, making it difficult to as- 12.4]), major bleeding (2.7% vs 0.3%; OR, 9.56 [95% CI, 1.63-
sess the risk of DVT.63,70 After an endovenous procedure, enoxapa- 56.2]), and death (8.2% vs 0.3%; OR, 30.3 [95% CI, 8.41-141]) com-
rin 40 mg once daily or low-intensity direct oral anticoagulants for pared with those without cancer (n = 1030).77 In the POST study,
up to a week may be appropriate for patients at risk for VTE to pre- among the 586 patients presenting with isolated SuVT, male sex
vent postsurgery DVT.70 (35.5%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.63 [95% CI, 1.42-4.86]), history of
VTE (19.1%; HR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.15-4.12]), and absence of varicose
Recommendations by Professional Societies veins (13.7%; HR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.01-4.25]) were associated with an
As a result of limitations of existing evidence, recommendations from increased risk of thrombotic events at the 3-month follow-up.43 A
professional societies about the management of SuVT are largely pooled analysis of 2 registry studies that included 1178 patients re-
based on expert opinion rather than high-quality RCTs (eFigure 5 in ported that SuVT involving the saphenofemoral/popliteal junction
the Supplement). Professional societies advise treatment with (11%) was associated with an increased risk of VTE occurrence at 3
fondaparinux subcutaneously 2.5 mg once daily for 45 days in pa- months compared with patients without involvement of the junc-
tients with a lower extremity SuVT that meets the following criteria: tion (HR, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.25-8.33]).78 In a meta-analysis of 8 stud-
thrombus greater than or equal to 5 cm in length and greater than 3 ies that included 5998 patients, 448 with malignancy and SuVT,
cm away from the deep vein junction (eg, saphenofemoral junction) those with cancer-associated isolated SuVT had an increased rate
based on findings from the CALISTO trial.70-73 Rivaroxaban 10 mg once of VTE compared with patients without active malignancy (risk ra-
daily and low-dose LMWH (no specified type) have been recom- tio, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.78-3.71]; P < .001).79
mended as alternatives to fondaparinux, but high-quality evidence re- Patients with SuVT may present with concomitant DVT or PE.
garding these therapies is lacking, particularly for LMWHs.70-73 The Optimisation de l’Interrogatoire dans l’Évaluation du Risque
Thrombo-Embolique Veineux (OPTIMEV) study, a prospective reg-
Prognosis istry that included both inpatients and outpatients with ultrasonog-
Thrombotic complications from SuVT, such as the extension of SuVT raphy confirmed SuVT, reported that 22.3% of patients with SuVT
or progression to DVT, are higher in people who do not receive an- had concomitant DVT alone, 6.3% had both DVT and PE, and 0.6%
ticoagulation compared with those who receive anticoagulation.74 presented with PE only. Three-month mortality was significantly
Thromboembolic events such as DVT and PE can occur in up to 7% higher in patients presenting with concomitant DVT vs those with-
of patients with SuVT within 90 days after diagnosis, but whether out DVT (9.3% vs 1.2%; P < .001).24 A study from RIETE reported
anticoagulation therapy prevents these thrombotic events for du- an increased risk of subsequent PE in patients presenting with con-
rations longer than 45 days has not been studied in high-quality comitant lower limb SuVT and DVT (1.7%) compared with isolated
RCTs.7,55 A prospective observational study compared rates of VTE DVT (0.9%) at a median follow-up of approximately 6 months (rate
and SuVT recurrence at 120 days in 98 patients who received vari- ratio, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.13-3.75]).80 There are no high-quality data on
able-dose tinzaparin (175 IU/kg for extensive SuVT; 131 IU/kg other- the subsequent risk of PE in patients with upper extremity SuVT.
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Clinical Review & Education Review Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review
ARTICLE INFORMATION (Jiménez); Chair for the Study of Thromboembolic Montpellier, France (Quéré); Center for Outcomes
Accepted for Publication: August 7, 2025. Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM, Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital,
Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, New Haven, Connecticut (Bikdeli).
Published Online: September 15, 2025. Murcia, Spain (Monreal); CIBER Enfermedades
doi:10.1001/jama.2025.15222 Author Contributions: Drs Piazza and Ms
Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain (Monreal); Krishnathasan served as co–first authors and
Author Affiliations: Division of Cardiovascular North American Thrombosis Forum, Brookline, contributed equally to the work.
Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Massachusetts (Fanikos); Division of Vascular
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Piazza, Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Piazza
Krishnathasan, Hamade, Ujueta, McGonagle, General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston reported receiving grants from BMS/Pfizer,
Goldhaber, Bikdeli); Thrombosis Research Group, (Dua); Vascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Main Janssen, Alexion, Bayer, Amgen, and BSC paid to
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical Campus, Cleveland, Ohio (Tefera); Heart and the institution and personal fees from BSC, Amgen,
School, Boston, Massachusetts (Piazza, Vascular Service, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist BCRI, PERC, Syntactx, BMS, and Janssen outside
Krishnathasan, Hamade, Ujueta, Scimeca, Hospital, Columbus (Kolluri); Columbia University the submitted work. Dr Monreal reported receiving
McGonagle, Goldhaber, Bikdeli); Department of Irving Medical Center, New York, New York (Parikh); grants from Sanofi and Rovi outside the submitted
Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, work. Dr Fanikos reported receiving personal fees
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts Varese, Italy (Ageno); Thrombosis and from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Anthos outside the
(Ortiz-Rios); Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Atherosclerosis Research Institute, Hamilton Health submitted work. Dr Kolluri reported receiving
Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Sciences, and McMaster University, Hamilton, personal fees from Abbott, Auxetics, Daiichi
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Galanaud); Servicio de Ontario, Canada (Weitz); Department of Medicine, Sankyo, Koya Medical, Medtronic, Penumbra,
Neumología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal e Instituto F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, The Philips, Surmodics, USA Therm, and VB Devices;
Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Uniformed Services University of the Health serving as a board member of The VIVA Foundation
Madrid, Spain (Jiménez); Departamento de Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland (Moores); Service de and The Intersocietal Accreditation
Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Ramón y Médecine Vasculaire, CHU Montpellier, UMR UA11 Council-Vascular Testing; and serving as president
Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain INSERM IDESP – Montpellier University, of the Syntropic CoreLab outside the submitted
work. Dr Parikh reported receiving grants from
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Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Review Review Clinical Review & Education
Abbott Vascular, Boston Scientific, Reflow Medical, J Haematol. 2015;168(5):639-645. doi:10.1111/bjh. Haematol. 2023;10(5):e359-e366. doi:10.1016/
Cagent Vascular, Concept Medical, and Veryan 13255 S2352-3026(23)00013-3
Medical and personal fees from Medtronic, Philips, 6. Rountree KM, Barazi H, Aulick NF. Mondor 20. Gaukroger PB, Roberts JG, Manners TA.
Cordis, Shockwave Medical, Terumo, Inari, disease. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www. Infusion thrombophlebitis: a prospective
Penumbra, and Akura Medical outside the ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30855866 comparison of 645 Vialon and Teflon cannulae in
submitted work. Dr Ageno reported serving on anaesthetic and postoperative use. Anaesth
advisory boards for AstraZeneca, Bayer, Norgine, 7. Decousus H, Prandoni P, Mismetti P, et al;
CALISTO Study Group. Fondaparinux for the Intensive Care. 1988;16(3):265-271. doi:10.1177/
Sanofi, and Viatris outside the submitted work. Dr 0310057X8801600305
Weitz reported serving as a consultant for and treatment of superficial-vein thrombosis in the legs.
receiving honoraria from Alnylam, Bayer, N Engl J Med. 2010;363(13):1222-1232. doi:10.1056/ 21. Di Minno G, Mannucci PM, Tufano A, et al; First
Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi NEJMoa0912072 Ambulatory Screening On Thromboembolism (fast)
Sankyo, Ionis, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, 8. Cosmi B, Filippini M, Tonti D, et al; STEFLUX Study Group. The first ambulatory screening on
Regeneron, and Servier outside the submitted Investigators. A randomized double-blind study of thromboembolism: a multicentre, cross-sectional,
work. Dr Quéré reported receiving personal fees low-molecular-weight heparin (parnaparin) for observational study on risk factors for venous
from Viatris outside the submitted work. Dr Bikdeli superficial vein thrombosis: STEFLUX (Superficial thromboembolism. J Thromb Haemost. 2005;3(7):
reported being supported by a Career Development ThromboEmbolism and Fluxum). J Thromb Haemost. 1459-1466. doi:10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01458.x
Award from the American Heart Association and 2012;10(6):1026-1035. doi:10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012. 22. Giannoukas A, Karathanos C, Nikolakopoulos K,
VIVA Physicians (#938814); was previously 04727.x et al; SeVEN Collaborators. Tinzaparin in
supported by the Scott Schoen and Nancy Adams 9. Cosmi B. Management of superficial vein intermediate dose for the treatment of superficial
IGNITE Award and is supported by the Mary Ann thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost. 2015;13(7):1175-1183. vein thrombosis: results from an observational
Tynan Research Scientist award from the Mary doi:10.1111/jth.12986 multicenter study-SeVEN study. Phlebology. 2018;
Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health and 33(9):636-645. doi:10.1177/0268355517748540
Gender Biology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital 10. Kushner A, West WP, Khan Suheb MZ,
Pillarisetty LS. Virchow Triad. StatPearls; 2024. 23. Karathanos C, Chatzis D, Latzios P, Papakostas
and the Heart and Vascular Center Junior Faculty I, Goumas K, Giannoukas AD; SeVEN EXT
Award from Brigham and Women’s Hospital; 11. Cosmi B, Filippini M, Campana F, et al; STEFLUX Collaborators. Treatment of superficial vein
reported serving as a consulting expert, on behalf Investigators. Risk factors for recurrent events in thrombosis with intermediate dose of tinzaparin:
of the plaintiff, for litigation related to 2 specific subjects with superficial vein thrombosis in the a real word cohort study: the SeVEN EXTension
brand models of IVC filters; being a member of the randomized clinical trial SteFlux (Superficial study. Phlebology. 2021;36(6):423-431. doi:10.1177/
medical advisory board for the VascuLearn Thromboembolism Fluxum). Thromb Res. 2014;133 0268355520947300
Network; serving in the data safety and monitory (2):196-202. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2013.12.005
board of the NAIL-IT trial funded by the National 24. Galanaud JP, Genty C, Sevestre MA, et al;
12. Galanaud JP, Sevestre MA, Pernod G, et al. OPTIMEV SFMV investigators. Predictive factors for
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Translational Long-term risk of venous thromboembolism
Sciences; receiving compensation as an associate concurrent deep-vein thrombosis and symptomatic
recurrence after isolated superficial vein venous thromboembolic recurrence in case of
editor for the New England Journal of Medicine thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost. 2017;15(6):1123-1131.
Journal Watch Cardiology, as an associate editor for superficial venous thrombosis: the OPTIMEV study.
doi:10.1111/jth.13679 Thromb Haemost. 2011;105(1):31-39. doi:10.1160/
Thrombosis Research, and as an executive associate
editor for JACC, and a section editor for Thrombosis 13. Rabe E, Hoffmann U, Schimke A, et al; TH10-06-0406
and Haemostasis (no compensation) outside the INSIGHTS-SVT Study Collaborators. Determinants 25. Hirmerová J, Seidlerová J, Šubrt I, Hajšmanová
submitted work. No other disclosures were of late venous thromboembolic events after acute Z. Prevalence of cancer in patients with superficial
reported. isolated superficial vein thrombosis in daily vein thrombosis and its clinical importance. J Vasc
practice: 12 month results of the INSIGHTS-SVT Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2022;10(1):26-32. doi:
Submissions: We encourage authors to submit Study. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2023;66(5):697-
papers for consideration as a Review. Please 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.05.006
704. doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.08.031
contact Kristin Walter, MD, at kristin.walter@ 26. Legnani C, Cini M, Cosmi B, Filippini M,
jamanetwork.org. 14. Bauersachs R, Gerlach HE, Heinken A, et al. Favaretto E, Palareti G. Inherited and acquired
Management and outcomes of patients with thrombophilic alterations in patients with
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