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| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 1992 | Volume
: 58
| Issue : 6 | Page : 397-398 |
Mondor's disease
K Pavithran
Correspondence Address:
K Pavithran
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
A case of Mondor's disease is reported in a middle-aged woman. There were no associated cutaneous or systemic diseases. Lesions resolved following treatment with oral acetyl salicylate.
Keywords: Mondor′s disease, Thrombophlebitis
How to cite this article:
Pavithran K. Mondor's disease. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1992;58:397-8 |
| Introduction | |  |
Mondor's disease, also known as `string phlebitis' is characterized by thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the anterior chest wall. The lateral thoracic and/or thoraco-epigastric veins are commonly involved. It has a benign, self-limiting course. [1] Though most cases are idiopathic, rarely, it may be associated with lymphoma, breast carcinoma, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatic arthritis. [2] sub A subcutaneous cord-like induration with overlying depression is the characteristic clinical feature. Histology reveals an obliterative thrombophlebitis.
| Case Report | | |
A 40-year-old woman developed discomfort on the left side of the chest and abdomen. There was a tender, cord-like structure under the skin surface for 6 months. There was no history of local trauma. Examination revealed a firm, tender, movable subcutaneous cord of 4 mm diameter extending vertically from the left side of the abdomen to the left axilla, passing through the anterior chest wall lateral to the left breast. The overlying skin appeared normal except when tension was placed on the cord when a narrow, shallow, linear depression corresponding to the underlying cord was evident [Figure - 1].
Three other subcutaneous cords were palpated lateral to the umbilicus. These cords became prominent when the overlying skin was retracted. There was no lump in the breast. There was no lymphadenopathy. All other systems were clinically normal. A 2 cm long incision was made along the course of the cord on the anterior abdominal wall and the underlying structure was confirmed to be a thrombosed vein. The resection of the vein was not done for fear of bleeding and the incision was closed.
A complete haemogram including bleeding time, clotting time, PCV, RBC count and L. E. cell test did not reveal any abnormality. Urinalysis and X-ray of the chest were normal. There was no calcification of the veins. She was treated with acetyl salicylate 600 mg thrice daily for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks there was complete resolution of the lesion.
In the present case all features were suggestive of a clinical diagnosis of Mondor's disease. This was confirmed by visualization of the thrombosed vein by incision of the overlying skin.
Mondor's disease in this case appears to be idiopathic. The veins affected were thoraco-epigastric, superficial epigastric, and two other unnamed superficial veins near the umbilicus. The usual course of Mondor's disease is of slow resolution with complete disappearance within several months. Rapid recovery in this patient is probably due to the fibrinolytic property of acetyl salicylate.
| References | | |
| 1. | Abramson D J. Mondor's disease and string phlebitis. J A M A 1966; 196: 1087-9.  |
| 2. | Skipworth G 8, Morris G B, Goldstein N. Bilateral Mondor's disease. Arch Dermatol 1967; 95: 95-7. |
Figures
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