Septic thrombophlebitis is characterized by a bacterial or fungal infection that coexists with venous thrombosis.
Septic thrombophlebitis can manifest as anything from a harmless condition that affects a small area of superficial veins to serious systemic infections that cause shock and even death.
[1] Patients diagnosed with septic thrombophlebitis may exhibit a spectrum of symptoms, varying from moderate superficial vein swelling and pain to sepsis.
Patients who have peripheral vein involvement, which accounts for the majority of instances, may present with purulent leakage at the catheter insertion site, erythema and discomfort throughout the vein's course, and a fever greater than 100.4 F.[2] Septic thrombophlebitis can occur following throat infections, dental procedures, gingivitis, or central lines.
The CT scan may also show any surrounding inflammation in addition to evaluating any filling deficiencies within a conduit that might hold a clot.