Pedal Phlebitis

Pedal Thrombophlebitis in the Elderly

“…In a previous study, evidence was offered to substantiate the contention that all periphlebitis, thrombophlebitis and/or phlebothrombosis originates in the foot as pedal phlebitis (1). This evidence was obtained by use of the capillary microscope which revealed dilatation, tortuosity, and increased size of the lumen of veins in the nail‐bed of the toes.…”

“…When this occurs, the physio‐pathologic events result in periphlebitis, thrombophlebitis and/or phlebothrombosis. Clinical investigation has led us to believe that all venous inflammatory lesions originate in the foot since it is the most dependent portion of the human body; then the disease process increases and spreads proximally as additional venous elements become involved (1). The clinical picture of periphlebitis, thrombophlebitis and/or phlebothrombosis is not usually manifested in the foot (or feet) until an involved vein is of sufficiently large caliber to cause external evidence of the deep‐seated or superficial inflammation.…”