Superficial vein thrombosis receives little medical attention, however it is not an uncommonly encountered presentation. While previously thought to be a completely benign entity, more recent studies have demonstrated that it may be associated with concomitant deep vein thrombosis and thromboembolic complications.1

Additionally, superficial vein thrombosis is not always self-limiting, and can be prone to tenacity and recurrence, causing significant incapacitation and impairment of daily functional activities, especially when involving the upper extremities.

We present the case of a 31-year-old woman who developed extensive superficial vein thrombosis of the non-dominant upper extremity following a brief period of peripheral intravenous cannulation. Our reasons for highlighting this case are:

1. This presentation is usually undermined, and the thromboembolic complications associated with it are not recognized as a sequelae of this entity.

2. To create awareness about current treatment guidelines in superficial vein thrombosis.