28th July 2023

Septic thrombophlebitis

Septic thrombophlebitis is seen in intravenous drug users, where injection into the vein causes a deep vein thrombosis to form, which then becomes infected. This is commonly in the groin area.
The bacteria implicated in this area may comprise usual skin flora, anaerobes and Gram negative bacteria. Ultrasound helps to confirm the presence of thrombosis with positive blood cultures proving the infection. Broad spectrum antibiotics are often required due to the infection’s polymicrobial nature, and the treatment duration is usually around 6 weeks.