Etymed
phlebitis
Definition
inflammation of a vein, typically characterized by pain, swelling, and redness along the affected vein
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with progressive pain and swelling in her left leg over the past 24 hours. On examination, there is visible erythema and palpable cord-like structure along the saphenous vein with tenderness to palpation. The patient recently started hormonal replacement therapy and has a history of prolonged immobilization during a recent hospitalization.
Mnemonic
Pain, swelling, redness - P.S.R. for phlebitis