Septic Pulmonary Emboli From Peripheral Suppurative Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background:: We report the case of a 90-year old woman who presented with septic pulmonary emboli due to suppurative thrombophlebitis at an old peripheral intravenous site.

Methods:: After unsuccessful treatment with antibiotics, the patient was taken to the operating room for excision and drainage of the purulent superficial vein.

Results:: We review the literature and discuss the presentation, risk factors, treatment options, and complications of this often-overlooked disease entity.

Conclusions:: Suppurative thrombophlebitis is a rare but morbid disease that requires a high level of clinical suspicion to diagnose.

Keywords: pulmonary embolus; sepsis; suppurative thrombophlebitis.