Thrombophlebitis is best described as which of the following?

• A. Inflammation of a vein with formation of a thrombus
• B. Inflammation of the arteries
• C. Infection of the lymph nodes
• D. Degenerative disease of veins

Answer: (A)

Thrombophlebitis combines inflammation of the vein wall with the formation of a clot inside the vein. The vein becomes irritated and inflamed, and a thrombus develops at that site, leading to localized warmth, redness, tenderness, and swelling along the course of the vein. This description specifically includes both the inflammatory process and the presence of a thrombus, which is what distinguishes it from other conditions.

This is different from inflammation of arteries (arteritis), infection of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), or a degenerative change in veins that doesn’t involve a thrombus. In clinical practice, you may see superficial thrombophlebitis with a tender, palpable cord and erythema, or deep vein thrombosis where the risk is a clot traveling to the lungs, so recognizing the combination of inflammation and thrombosis is key to the correct description and appropriate management.