Superficial thrombophlebitis of the venous dorsal arch of the foot and deep venous thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy.

Four days after foamsclerotherapy of an incompetent great saphenous vein of the left lower leg a 49-year-old woman developed a superficial thrombophlebitis of the venous dorsal arch. In the course of follow-up repeated color duplex sonography initially did not show involvement of the deep venous system and, hence, she was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and compression hosiery. However, six weeks after foam treatment we diagnosed a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the popliteal vein and started an oral anticoagulant therapy. Although rarely observed, DVT is among the most serious complications of foamsclerotherapy Therefore, we suggest that the occurrence of a superficial thrombophlebitis that is not located in close vicinity of the vein treated should be an indication for regular follow-up examinations to prevent missing the occurrence of disease progression and a possible involvement of the deep venous system.