Assessing Mailuoning injection in wound healing and thrombophlebitis management: A rat model study.

Thrombophlebitis is the inflammatory condition characterized by obstruction of one or more vessels, commonly in the legs, due to the formation of blood clots. It has been reported that traditional Chinese medicine, including Mailuoning injection, is advantageous for treating inflammatory and blood disorders. This research assessed the therapeutic efficacy of Mailuoning injection in the treatment of thrombophlebitis in rodents, as well as investigated its impact on fibrinolysis, inflammation, and coagulation. An experimental setup for thrombophlebitis was established in rodents via modified ligation technique. Five groups comprised the animals: sham operation group, model group, and three Mailuoning treatment groups (low, medium, and high dosages). The pain response, edema, coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, TT, FIB), serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP), and expression levels of endothelial markers (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, NF-κB) were evaluated. Blood flow and vascular function were further assessed by measuring hemorheological parameters and the concentrations of TXB2, ET, and 6-k-PGF1α. In contrast to the sham group, model group demonstrated statistically significant increases in endothelial expression levels, coagulation latencies, and inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). The administration of mailing, specifically at high and medium dosages, resulted in a substantial reduction in inflammatory markers, enhancement of coagulation parameters, suppression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, and restoration of hemorheological measurements to baseline (p < 0.05). Significantly higher concentrations of 6-k-PGF1α and lower levels of TXB2 and ET were observed in high-dose group, suggesting that pro- and anti-thrombotic factors were restored to equilibrium. Utilization of Mailuoning injection in rat model of thrombophlebitis exhibited significant therapeutic impact. This effect was manifested through pain alleviation, diminished inflammation, enhanced blood viscosity and facilitation of fibrinolysis. The study indicated that Mailuoning injection may serve as a viable therapeutic option for thrombophlebitis, potentially aiding in the improvement of wound healing by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and blood flow-enhancing characteristics.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the anti-superficial thrombophlebitis mechanism of Mailuo shutong pill.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mailuo shutong pill (MLST) has been widely used in clinical treatment of superficial thrombotic phlebitis (STP). Nevertheless, the major active components of MLST and the mechanism of synergistic action have not been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to evaluate the improving effects and the underlying mechanism of MLST on mannitol-induced STP in rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS) was used to analyze and identify the chemical composition of MLST and the prototype components absorbed into the blood. Then, according to the prototype components in serum, the targets and mechanisms of MLST were explored by applying network pharmacology. The rabbit model of STP was established by injecting 20% mannitol into bilateral auricular vein. The pathological changes of rabbit ear tissues, inflammatory factors, coagulation function and hemorheology were detected. In addition, molecular docking verified the interaction between the main active ingredient and the key target. Finally, the PI3K/AKT pathway and its regulated downstream pathways were verified by Western blot. RESULTS: A total of 96 MLST components and 53 prototypical components absorbed into the blood were successfully identified. Based on network pharmacology, PI3K/AKT pathway and 10 chemical components closely related to this pathway were obtained. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results indicated that MLST effectively improved of the pathological damage of ear tissues. MLST decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). The expression of platelets (PLT) and fibrinogen concentration (FIB) was decreased, while prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were prolonged. In addition, the plasma viscosity and whole blood viscosity in the MLST groups were significantly decreased. The more important discovery was that the expressions of P-PI3K, VEGF, P-AKT, P-IκB-α, P-NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved IL-1ß and Cleaved Caspase-1 were effectively reversed after treatment with MLST. CONCLUSIONS: This study comprehensively analyzed and characterized the chemical composition of MLST and the prototypical components absorbed into the blood. This study strongly confirmed the pharmacodynamic effect of MLST on STP. More importantly, this pharmacodynamic effect was achieved through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway and its regulated NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways.

PROMETHAZINE-INDUCED THROMBOPHLEBITIS IN A NIGERIAN MAN: A CASE REPORT.

Introduction: Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative that possesses antihistamine, anti-dopaminergic and anticholinergic properties. It is commonly used to treat motion sickness, allergic conditions, nausea and vomiting, in addition to its use as a sedative. Promethazine has vesicant properties and is highly caustic to the intima of blood vessels and surrounding tissues. Intravenous administration may result in thrombophlebitis, unintentional intra-arterial administration, perivascular extravasation and tissue necrosis. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous published report of promethazine-induced thrombophlebitis from sub- Saharan Africa. Case Report: A 29-year-old Nigerian male was admitted at our hospital on account of malaria with acute gastroenteritis. Due to persistent vomiting, he was administered 25 mg of promethazine injection via a size 22G intravenous cannula which was inserted the previous day on the anteromedial aspect of his right forearm and maintained with continuous intravenous crystalloid infusion. Upon administration of promethazine, he experienced intense burning and erythema. The cannula was removed immediately, another cannula was inserted on the contralateral arm, and promethazine was replaced with ondansetron. Subsequently, he developed a tender, subcutaneous cord-like swelling extending from the middle-third of the anteromedial aspect of his right forearm, corresponding with the site of previous venous cannulation. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic, non-compressible basilic vein, with no flow on colour Doppler interrogation, in keeping with superficial thrombophlebitis. He was treated with a topical anti-inflammatory agent, and the pain and redness subsided after four weeks. Conclusion: The preferred parenteral route of administration of promethazine is deep intramuscular injection. Recommendations to prevent promethazine-induced thrombophlebitis include: use of large and patent veins, use of lower doses, drug dilution and slow administration, use of alternative therapies, and patient education. Promethazine-induced tissue injury is under-reported in this part of the world. Creating awareness through this case report would help reduce the morbidity following promethazine administration.

[Bacterial Meningitis and Suppurative Thrombophlebitis after Trigger Point Injections: A Case Report].

A 73-year-old woman with untreated diabetes mellitus visited our emergency department with a 4-day history of progressive headache, fever, and chills. She received trigger point injections (TPI) into the right sternocleidomastoid for exercise-induced ipsilateral shoulder pain, 13 days before admission and into the right trapezius, 6 days before admission. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation revealed pleocytosis with a predominance of neutrophils, as well as elevated protein and reduced glucose levels. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed inflammatory changes of the right-sided posterior cervical muscles and the right vertebral arch of the C5-C6 vertebrae without contrast enhancement of the right posterior cervical veins. She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and suppurative thrombophlebitis, and empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was administered intravenously. The initial blood culture yielded Streptococcus intermedius; however, CSF culture showed no growth. She recovered completely after a 4-week course of intravenously administered ampicillin and was discharged with oral clindamycin to complete a total 6-week antibiotic course. TPI are widely used as a safe therapeutic strategy associated with few complications, and serious infections are rare. However, clinicians must remain mindful of the possibility of these complications in immunocompromised patients, such as those with diabetes mellitus who undergo TPI. (Received September 18, 2020; Accepted December 21, 2020; Published June 1, 2021).

Retroperitoneal abscess with pylephlebitis caused by lumbar acupuncture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal abscess (RA) is an unusual life-threatening disease that has insidious and occult presentations. Although the incidence of this disease is low, diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to its nonspecific presentation and the complex anatomy of the retroperitoneal space. Recently, we experienced one case of a RA with extensive thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old male presented to the emergency room with symptoms and signs of septic shock; however, the decision making for diagnosis and treatment was difficult, as no clinical and radiological evidence supported key findings regarding the origin of sepsis. Although this patient eventually recovered after surgical drainage, we suggested that more straightforward diagnostic and treatment procedures were required in this patient to avoid possible critical complications. Through a retrospective review of operative findings, patient history, and microbiology, we found that the RA in this patient was caused by lumbar acupuncture, which is usually performed for the management of chronic back pain with long needles. CONCLUSION: Early surgical intervention should be considered for RA whenever the patient does not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. Acupuncture is a possible cause of otherwise unexplained soft tissue infections, such as RA, especially in Asian countries.

Assessment of a topical product based on polysulfated galactosaminoglycan as an adjuvant in the treatment of acute STP and stasis dermo-hypodermitis.

BACKGROUND: Superficial thrombophlebitis (STP) is a relatively frequent pathology characterized by possible extension to the deep venous circulation, with notable local inflammatory reaction which is treated by subcutaneous administration of Fondaparinux. Stasis dermo-hypodermitis is characterized by cutaneous hyperpigmentation and eczema, treatment for which consists of the use of drugs targeting endothelial cells (mesoglycan, FFPM, sulodexide). In this study we evaluated the impact of local application of a mixture of semi-synthetic polysulfated galactosaminoglycans on the regression rate of STP and dermo-hypodermitis in patients treated with best medical therapy (BMT). METHODS: Thirty patients (20 F and 10 M) were enrolled from May to December 2017, 20 with dermo-hypodermitis due to stasis secondary to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and 10 with acute STP of the great saphenous vein or its collaterals. Topical administration of the galactosaminoglycan-based product was added to the BMT of 10 pts with PTS and 5 pts with STP for 45-60 days. In all patients a Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) was used to assess the intensity of spontaneous and induced pain at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. RESULTS: With regard to PTS, VAS values at time 0 were comparable between the two groups, while at later times there was a progressive reduction in the score, with values of ≤2 at 30 days for patients treated with the topical product based on galactosaminoglycans vs. 60 days for the other control subjects. With regard to STP, the values of VAS at time 0 between the two groups were comparable, while at time 15 the VAS value was lower in subjects treated with the topical product. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study on the efficacy of a local formulation of a mixture of semi-synthetic polysulfated galactosaminoglycans highlighted the role of this product in accelerating the recovery of patients at the most advanced stages of chronic venous disease (CVD) and in the management of its complications. In the future, studies of larger series will be needed with the use of placebo to substantiate their effectiveness in these conditions and in other classes of CVD.

Trombosis de la vena espermática derecha. Revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Right spermatic vein thrombosis. Revision of literature regarding a specific case

La tromboflebitis aguda de la vena espermática es una dolencia de muy baja frecuencia, con afectación mayoritaria del lado izquierdo, y de etiología desconocida en la mayoría de las ocasiones. Suele ser un hallazgo inesperado en el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor testicular agudo. Se trata de un varón de 29 años con un consumo abusivo de cocaína que acude con dolor testicular agudo. Se confirma la afectación de la vena espermática derecha mediante ecografía-doppler. Se optó por manejo conservador con anticoagulación y antiinflamatorios. La eco-doppler es la técnica con mayor especificidad y sensibilidad para diagnosticarlo, mientras que la TC puede completar su diagnóstico etiológico. El tratamiento de elección es conservador basado en la anticoagulación del paciente. Es imperativo un estudio hematológico en búsqueda de alteraciones de la coagulación (AU)

Acute thrombophlebitis of spermatic vein is an unusual pathology involving, in most of the cases, the left side, and whose etiology remains uncertain. Most of them are found during a a differential diagnosis in acute testicular pain. We introduce the case of a 29 years old male with abusive cocaine consumption, admitted to hospital due to severe testicular pain. Doppler-ultrasound examination was undertaken, showing right spermatic vein flux alteration. Conservative management was decided and anticoagulant and non-esteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were started. Eco-doppler is the most specific and sensible technique for diagnosis of these cases, while TC can always confirm etiologic diagnosis. Treatment was initially conservative based on anticoagulation. Hematological study is necessary in order to determine coagulation alterations (AU)

Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) of the legs remains poorly defined. While improving or relieving the local painful symptoms, treatment should aim at preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which might complicate the natural history of ST. This is the third update of a review first published in 2007. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical, medical, and surgical treatments for ST of the leg in improving local symptoms and decreasing thromboembolic complications. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (March 2017), CENTRAL (2017, Issue 2), and trials registries (March 2017). We handsearched the reference lists of relevant papers and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating topical, medical, and surgical treatments for ST of the legs that included people with a clinical diagnosis of ST of the legs or objective diagnosis of a thrombus in a superficial vein. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors assessed the trials for inclusion in the review, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Data were independently extracted from the included studies and any disagreements resolved by consensus. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We identified three additional trials (613 participants), therefore this update considered 33 studies involving 7296 people with ST of the legs. Treatment included fondaparinux; rivaroxaban; low molecular weight heparin (LMWH); unfractionated heparin (UFH); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); compression stockings; and topical, intramuscular, or intravenous treatment to surgical interventions such as thrombectomy or ligation. Only a minority of trials compared treatment with placebo rather than an alternative treatment and many studies were small and of poor quality. Pooling of the data was possible for few outcomes, and none were part of a placebo-controlled trial. In one large, placebo-controlled RCT of 3002 participants, subcutaneous fondaparinux was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic VTE (risk ratio (RR) 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.50; moderate-quality evidence), ST extension (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22; moderate-quality evidence), and ST recurrence (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.54; moderate-quality evidence) relative to placebo. Major bleeding was infrequent in both groups with very wide CIs around risk estimate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.86; moderate-quality evidence). In one RCT on 472 high-risk participants with ST, fondaparinux was associated with a non-significant reduction of symptomatic VTE compared to rivaroxaban 10 mg (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.18; low-quality evidence). There were no major bleeding events in either group (low-quality evidence). In another placebo-controlled trial, both prophylactic and therapeutic doses of LMWH (prophylactic: RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.74; therapeutic: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.77) and NSAIDs (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.78) reduced the extension (low-quality evidence) and recurrence of ST (low-quality evidence) in comparison to placebo, with no significant effects on symptomatic VTE (low-quality evidence) or major bleeding (low-quality evidence). Overall, topical treatments improved local symptoms compared with placebo, but no data were provided on the effects on VTE and ST extension. Surgical treatment combined with elastic stockings was associated with a lower VTE rate and ST progression compared with elastic stockings alone. However, the majority of studies that compared different oral treatments, topical treatments, or surgery did not report VTE, ST progression, adverse events, or treatment adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic dose fondaparinux given for 45 days appears to be a valid therapeutic option for ST of the legs for most people. The evidence on topical treatment or surgery is too limited and does not inform clinical practice about the effects of these treatments in terms of VTE. Further research is needed to assess the role of rivaroxaban and other direct oral factor-X or thrombin inhibitors, LMWH, and NSAIDs; the optimal doses and duration of treatment in people at various risk of recurrence; and whether a combination therapy may be more effective than single treatment. Adequately designed and conducted studies are required to clarify the role of topical and surgical treatments.

Initial management and outcomes after superficial thrombophlebitis: The Cardiovascular Research Network Venous Thromboembolism study.

Although superficial thrombophlebitis (SVTE) is generally considered a benign, self-limited disease, accumulating evidence suggests that it often leads to more serious forms of venous thromboembolism. We reviewed the medical charts of 329 subjects with SVTE from the Cardiovascular Research Network Venous Thromboembolism cohort study to collect information on the acute treatment of SVTE and subsequent diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis within 1 year. All participants received care within Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large, integrated healthcare delivery system. Fourteen (4.3%) subjects with SVTE received anticoagulants, 148 (45.0%) were recommended antiplatelet agents or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and in 167 (50.8%) there was no documented antithrombotic therapy. In the year after SVTE diagnosis, 19 (5.8%) patients had a subsequent diagnosis of a deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, clinically significant venous thrombosis within a year after SVTE was uncommon in our study despite infrequent use of antithrombotic therapy. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:432-434. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Treatment for superficial infusion thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity.

BACKGROUND: Although superficial thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity represents a frequent complication of intravenous catheters inserted into the peripheral veins of the forearm or hand, no consensus exists on the optimal management of this condition in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To summarise the evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the efficacy and safety of (topical, oral or parenteral) medical therapy of superficial thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched April 2015) and the Cochrane Register of Studies (2015, Issue 3). Clinical trials registries were searched up to April 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs comparing any (topical, oral or parenteral) medical treatment to no intervention or placebo, or comparing two different medical interventions (e.g. a different variant scheme or regimen of the same intervention or a different pharmacological type of treatment). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted data on methodological quality, patient characteristics, interventions and outcomes, including improvement of signs and symptoms as the primary effectiveness outcome, and number of participants experiencing side effects of the study treatments as the primary safety outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 13 studies (917 participants). The evaluated treatment modalities consisted of a topical treatment (11 studies), an oral treatment (2 studies) and a parenteral treatment (2 studies). Seven studies used a placebo or no intervention control group, whereas all others also or solely compared active treatment groups. No study evaluated the effects of ice or the application of cold or hot bandages. Overall, the risk of bias in individual trials was moderate to high, although poor reporting hampered a full appreciation of the risk in most studies. The overall quality of the evidence for each of the outcomes varied from low to moderate mainly due to risk of bias and imprecision, with only single trials contributing to most comparisons. Data on primary outcomes improvement of signs and symptoms and side effects attributed to the study treatment could not be statistically pooled because of the between-study differences in comparisons, outcomes and type of instruments to measure outcomes.An array of topical treatments, such as heparinoid or diclofenac gels, improved pain compared to placebo or no intervention. Compared to placebo, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduced signs and symptoms intensity. Safety issues were reported sparsely and were not available for some interventions, such as notoginseny creams, parenteral low-molecular-weight heparin or defibrotide. Although several trials reported on adverse events with topical heparinoid creams, Essaven gel or phlebolan versus control, the trials were underpowered to adequately measure any differences between treatment modalities. Where reported, adverse events with topical treatments consisted mainly of local allergic reactions. Only one study of 15 participants assessed thrombus extension and symptomatic venous thromboembolism with either oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or low-molecular-weight heparin, and it reported no cases of either. No study reported on the development of suppurative phlebitis, catheter-related bloodstream infections or quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence about the treatment of acute infusion superficial thrombophlebitis is limited and of low quality. Data appear too preliminary to assess the effectiveness and safety of topical treatments, systemic anticoagulation or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Oral Rivaroxaban Treatment for L-asparaginase-induced Deep Thrombophlebitis in Lower Extremity / 임상소아혈액종양

We are reporting our experience of oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)) treatment for L-asparaginase (L-ASP)-induced deep vein thrombophlebitis in the lower extremity developed during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) chemotherapy, with a brief review of the literature. A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our institution with right lower leg pain and gait difficulties. He was diagnosed with ALL and started chemotherapy protocol. He had been under a chemotherapy course of delayed intensification (DI)-1. We began antibiotics treatment for possible inflammation including cellulitis of the leg and planned an MRI scan. The MRI scan indicated thrombophlebitis of the right posterior calf deep veins. Subsequent DVT CT and coagulation profiles showed other abnormal findings. Coagulation factor assay were noted with decreased levels of multi factors; Factor II 45%, Factor IX 35.3 %, Factor X 30%, Factor XI 19%, Factor XII 22%, and anti-coagulants levels were decreased also with variant degrees; Protein C Activity 51%, Protein C Ag 54.5%, Protein S Activity 35%, Protein S Antigen, total 27.1%, Protein S Antigen, free 41.7%. Low molecular heparin (LMWH) treatment was initiated and the patient was switched to oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)). After 6 weeks treatment, abnormal coagulation profiles and MRI scan showed improvement. Furthermore, the patient had no other symptoms or recurrence of thrombotic events. There was no significant adverse reaction to rivaroxaban in this patient.

Oral Rivaroxaban Treatment for L-asparaginase-induced Deep Thrombophlebitis in Lower Extremity / 임상소아혈액종양

We are reporting our experience of oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)) treatment for L-asparaginase (L-ASP)-induced deep vein thrombophlebitis in the lower extremity developed during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) chemotherapy, with a brief review of the literature. A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our institution with right lower leg pain and gait difficulties. He was diagnosed with ALL and started chemotherapy protocol. He had been under a chemotherapy course of delayed intensification (DI)-1. We began antibiotics treatment for possible inflammation including cellulitis of the leg and planned an MRI scan. The MRI scan indicated thrombophlebitis of the right posterior calf deep veins. Subsequent DVT CT and coagulation profiles showed other abnormal findings. Coagulation factor assay were noted with decreased levels of multi factors; Factor II 45%, Factor IX 35.3 %, Factor X 30%, Factor XI 19%, Factor XII 22%, and anti-coagulants levels were decreased also with variant degrees; Protein C Activity 51%, Protein C Ag 54.5%, Protein S Activity 35%, Protein S Antigen, total 27.1%, Protein S Antigen, free 41.7%. Low molecular heparin (LMWH) treatment was initiated and the patient was switched to oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)). After 6 weeks treatment, abnormal coagulation profiles and MRI scan showed improvement. Furthermore, the patient had no other symptoms or recurrence of thrombotic events. There was no significant adverse reaction to rivaroxaban in this patient.

Medicinal leech therapy in pain syndromes: a narrative review.

Medicinal leech therapy is used in a variety of conditions; most of which have pain as a major symptom. Its mode of action relies on the injection of leech saliva into patients' tissues during the process of blood withdrawal. Leech saliva contains active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, anti-coagulant and blood- and lymph-circulation enhancing properties. A specific analgesic substance within the leech saliva is yet to be identified. Pain relief from leech therapy is rapid, effective and long-lasting in many conditions. This review compiles studies and case reports that provide clinical evidence for leech therapy's analgesic effects.

Mondor's Disease Developed after Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction for Treatment of Axillary Bromhidrosis

Mondor's disease is an uncommon condition characterized by a palpable, cordshaped structure, which causes pain when pressed. Its known pathophysiology is thrombophlebitis of the superficial venous system. Although reported repeatedly, its definite cause is unknown and various possible causes have been identified, including surgery, irradiation, infection, malignancy, and trauma. We diagnosed this case to be Mondor's disease of the antecubital venous system, probably due to thermal injury of the proximal tributaries of the basilic or cephalic vein. Risk of thermal injury to the skin flap or the portal site remains a common complication, and as thermal injury to the blood vessel might also be considered, attention must be given when suctioning the area near a large superficial vessel.

Sapheon: the solution?

Less invasive endovenous techniques have been shown to be as effective as open surgery in the treatment of varicose veins. Furthermore, they cause less postoperative bruising and pain and enable early return to normal activities and work. Tumescent anaesthesia is safe and obviates complications of general or spinal anaesthesia. Drawbacks are a steep learning curve and painful administration during treatment. Tumescentless techniques like Clarivein™ or VenaSeal™ Sapheon Closure System are recently under investigation. Short-term results of VenaSeal™ are comparable with thermal ablation. The procedure is safe without serious adverse events. Perioperative pain and patient discomfort with this tumescentless approach is minimal but postoperative recovery is temporarily hindered by thrombophlebitis in 14-15 % of patients. One-year results in a small feasibility study has demonstrated durable closure at this endpoint. No longer-term results are available. A randomized control trial between VenaSeal™ and Covidien ClosureFast™ is in a preparatory phase.

The extremes in orthopaedics! Whom to blame?

Traditional medicines especially the herbal paste is routinely prescribed by the herb sellers. The unsupervised combinations and preparations are easily available in our part of world. The demand and supply of such irrational combination is only based on the principle that anything natural is safe. Drugs and preparations made by the people who lack the scientific knowledge of traditional herbal medicines adversely affect the consumer. We put forward few complications that resulted after herbal paste application in those who already had visited the specialist but opted the easily available unsupervised herbal preparations.