Superficial thoraco-epigastric thrombophlebitis.

Abstract

Thrombophlebitis of the superficial thoraco-epigastric vein (Mondor disease) is more frequent in females (1) than in males. It is often asymptomatic but sometimes paresthesias can be associated. Once the diagnosis is made and necessarily confirmed by ultrasound findings, the physician should exclude the presence of causes and contributing factors.
Among the first the trauma, spontaneous or surgical, the infections and various mammary problems, from pregnancy (2) to carcinoma should be remembered. Factors favoring the appearance of thrombophlebitis can be coagulation disorders and hepatitis C.
In most cases it is not necessary any therapy because thrombophlebitis subsides spontaneously in a few weeks with restitutio ad integrum or with definitive obliteration of the affected vein. In 5% of cases the disease tends to recur.