Open AccessSeptic thrombophlebitis in a HIV-positive intravenous drug user
Author(s) -
Massimo Tonolini,
Roberto Bianco
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of emergencies, trauma and shock
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.313
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 0974-519X
pISSN - 0974-2700
DOI - 10.4103/0974-2700.99711
Subject(s) - medicine , intravenous drug , thrombophlebitis , intravenous use , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , drug , edema , radiology , embolization , intensive care medicine , surgery , anesthesia , thrombosis , pharmacology , viral disease , immunology
Septic thrombophlebitis of the pelvic veins may occur secondary to non-sterile intravenous drug injection and represents an uncommon yet life-threatening condition, most usually manifesting with persistent spiking fever and limb edema. Risk is further increased in HIV-infected people. High clinical suspicion and prompt imaging assessment with contrast-enhanced multidetector CT are necessary for correct diagnosis and staging, since early treatment prevents further complications such as systemic embolization.