Free-floating thrombus in the femoral vein--a challenge in phlebologic diagnostics

Abstract

Although thrombophlebitis may be a complication of an incompetent great saphenous vein, it usually has a benign outcome. The risk of embolisation is present especially when ascending progression of superficial venous thrombosis extends to the femoral vein. The proximal extension of the thrombus often precedes clinically visible symptoms. Use of colour duplex sonography is superior to phlebography in assessing the saphenofemoral junction area and thrombus propagation in these cases. Our case report details the difficulties encountered in the diagnosis and therapy of a patient with a free-floating thrombus at the saphenofemoral junction.