Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Acute embolism and thrombosis of superficial veins
• Medical Term: Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) of unspecified upper extremity

Summary

• Acute embolism and thrombosis of the superficial veins in the upper extremity is a condition where a blood clot forms in the veins just beneath the skin of the arms, leading to potential swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Causes

• This condition can arise from prolonged immobility, injury to the arm veins, or after certain intravenous procedures. It may also be associated with conditions that increase blood clotting tendency.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include a history of deep vein thrombosis, cancer, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, and prolonged immobilization (e.g., long flights or bed rest).

Symptoms

• Key symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness along the involved vein, as well as pain in the affected area of the arm.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis typically involves physical examination and may include Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and detect clots within the vein.

Treatment Options

• Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, anticoagulants to reduce clotting, and compression therapy. In rare cases, surgical intervention might be necessary.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With treatment, prognosis is typically good, with symptoms often resolving in a few weeks. Regular follow-up is recommended to monitor for potential progression or complications.

Complications

• If untreated, there is a risk of the clot spreading to deeper veins, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), which are more serious conditions.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Preventive measures include staying active to improve circulation, maintaining a healthy weight, hydrating well, and avoiding prolonged periods of immobility.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical help if you experience sudden swelling, pain, or redness in an arm, especially if accompanied by trouble breathing or chest pain.

Additional Resources

• American Society of Hematology (ASH)
• National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming the location and specificity of the condition; I82.619 specifically refers to the upper extremity.
• Be cautious of potential overlap with deep vein thrombosis or other conditions affecting venous circulation.