Iyhe Postphlebitic Syndrome

Etiology By definition, the initiating etiologic factor is extensive thrombophlebitis which may occur spontaneously or following a precipitating episode such as operation, parturition, systemic infection or trauma. Classically the acute attack is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and fever. Actually the initial symptoms are frequently mild and the onset may be marked only by the insidious appearance of edema. In diagnosis caution must be exercised because studies in our clinics indicate that occasionally chronic edema and all the complicating features usually associated with the postphlebitic syndrome may occur spontaneously or following injury in the absence of any anatomic or physiologic evidence of venous thrombosis. In view of this, it is difficult to assess accurately the relative importance of venous thrombosis and recanalization, as against secondary factors such as infection or trauma in the development of the subsequent postphlebitic syndrome.