For example, varicose veins and prolonged bed rest both may induce SVTs due to slowing the flow of blood through superficial veins. Diagnosis
SVTs may be diagnosed based upon clinical criteria by a healthcare professional. A more specific evaluation can be made by ultrasound. An ultrasound can be useful in situations in which an SVT occurs above the knee and is not associated with a varicose vein, because ultrasounds can detect more serious clots like DVTs. The diagnostic utility of D-dimer testing in the setting of SVTs has yet to be fully established. Classification
SVTs can be classified as either varicose vein (VV) or non-varicose (NV) associated. NV-SVTs are more likely to be associated with genetic procoagulable states compared to VV-SVTs. SVTs can also be classified by pathophysiology. That is, primary SVTs are characterized by inflammation that is localized to the veins. Secondary SVTs are characterized by systemic inflammatory processes.A subclass of SVTs are septic thrombophlebitis, which are SVTs that occur in the setting of an infection. Treatment
The goal of treatment in SVT is to reduce local inflammation and prevent the SVT from extending from its point of origin. Treatment may entail the use of compression, physical activity, medications, or surgical interventions. The optimal treatment for many SVT sites (i.e. upper limbs, neck, abdominal and thoracic walls, and the penis) has not been determined. Compression
Multiple compression bandages exist. Fixed compression bandages, adhesive short stretch bandages, and graduated elastic compression stockings have all be used in the treatment of SVTs.
Surgery
Surgical interventions are used for both symptomatic relief of the SVT as well as for preventing the development of more serious complications (e.g. pulmonary embolism). Surgical interventions include ligation of the saphenofemoral junction, ligation and stripping of the affected veins, and local thrombectomy. Because of the risk of symptomatic pulmonary embolism with surgery itself, surgical interventions are not recommended for the treatment of lower limb SVTs by the 2012 American College of Chest Physicians guidelines and the 2012 British Committee for Standards in Haematology guidelines. The use of surgery for the treatment of SVT is controversial. Prognosis
SVT is often a mild, self-resolving medical condition. The inflammatory reaction may last up to 2–3 weeks, with possible recanalization of the thrombosed vein occurring in 6–8 weeks. The superficial vein may continue to be hyperpigmented for several months following the initial event. Epidemiology
In a French population, SVT occurred in 0.64 per 1000 persons per year. History
SVTs have been historically considered to be benign diseases, for which treatment was limited to conservative measures. However, an increased awareness of the potential risks of SVTs developing into more serious complications has prompted more research into the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of SVTs. Research
A Cochrane review recommends that future research investigate the utility of oral, topical, and surgical treatments for preventing the progression of SVTs and the development of thromboembolic complications. Footnotes


== References ==