Superficial thrombophlebitis in the forearm leading to entrapment of the radial nerve branch: a first case report and literature review

Abstract

This article reports a case of a female patient admitted with swelling and subcutaneous mass in the right forearm, initially suspected to be multiple nerve fibroma. However, through preoperative imaging and surgery, the final diagnosis confirmed superficial thrombophlebitis. This condition resulted in entrapment of the radial nerve branch, leading to noticeable nerve entrapment and radiating pain. The surgery involved the excision of inflammatory tissue and thrombus, ligation of the cephalic vein, and complete release of the radial nerve branch. Postoperative pathology confirmed the presence of Superficial Thrombophlebitis. Through this case, we emphasize the importance of comprehensive utilization of clinical, imaging, and surgical interventions for more accurate diagnosis and treatment. This is the first clinical report of radial nerve branch entrapment due to superficial thrombophlebitis.

Keywords: Radial nerve entrapment; Superficial thrombophlebitis.

Fig. 1

Superficial ultrasound reveals thrombus formation

Fig. 2

MRI shows inflammatory high signal

Fig. 3

Intraoperative anatomy: Thrombosis of cephalic vein, and the superficial thrombophlebitis compress the superficial branch of radial nerve

Fig. 4

Postoperative pathological findings: vascular lumen fibrous tissue hyperplasia, phagocytosis of hemosiderin tissue cells aggregation, thrombosis. (A-D: H&E; A: × 20 magnification, B: × 10 magnification, C: × 10 magnification, D: × 10 magnification)