Superficial Venous Thrombosis of the Brachial Vein With Extension Into the Subclavian and Internal Jugular Veins, Secondary to a Routine Blood Draw

Superficial thrombophlebitis, also known as superficial venous thrombosis, is an inflammatory condition involving the veins just below the surface of the skin secondary to clotted blood within that vein. The majority of cases are self-limited or resolve with a short course of anti-inflammatory medications and the application of warm compresses. Due to the self-limited nature of this disease process, clinically significant complications have rarely been described but are being seen more often in recent literature. This case report discusses an instance of superficial thrombophlebitis that occurred secondary to a routine blood draw and progressed to potentially life-threatening deep vein thrombosis. This case highlights the need for physicians to be aware of the potential complications of superficial thrombophlebitis and the importance of delivering strict return precautions to every patient with this condition.