Septic Pulmonary Emboli From Peripheral Suppurative Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: We report the case of a 90-year old woman who presented with septic pulmonary emboli due to suppurative thrombophlebitis at an old peripheral intravenous site. Methods: After unsuccessful treatment with antibiotics, the patient was taken to the operating room for excision and drainage of the purulent superficial vein. Results: We review the literature and discuss the presentation, risk factors, treatment options, and complications of this often-overlooked disease entity. Conclusions: Suppurative thrombophlebitis is a rare but morbid disease that requires a high level of clinical suspicion to diagnose.