Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Case Reports

07 When Trauma Leads to Thrombosis: A Case Report on Catheter-Induced Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Tanner Lydic; Elexander Atkinson, DO Corresponding author: tlydic@vcom.edu

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Superficial thrombophlebitis or superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon, but important condition. It can be divided into traumatic or spontaneous based on if a cause can be identified for the thrombus formation. D-dimer testing has high sensitivity, but low specificity for SVT, so ultrasound is an essential part of the workup. Treatment varies based on location and size as well as patient factors that may carry an increased risk for progression to DVT or PE. Symptom management,

aspirin, anticoagulation, and recanalization are all possible treatments. The patient had an IV catheter placed in the right cephalic vein, then a week later had pain in that area while lifting weights. In a subsequent OMT lab, a cord-like structure and tenderness were noted. OMT was deferred in that region due to contraindications. The patient saw a physician and was diagnosed with SVT of cephalic vein and thrombophlebitis and placed on aspirin. A recommendation was made to avoid OMT to the

upper extremity was until the SVT resolved. While uncommon, SVT is likely to be seen a few times throughout every physician’s career. A thrombus is a contraindication to OMT, and all patients should be screened for this both by history and physical prior to performing OMT. The authors received patient consent to use their data for this report.

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2025 Research Recognition Day