Thrombosis of the palmar digital veins: a report of 6 cases and a review of the literature.

Abstract

Our experience in 6 cases of thrombosis of the palmar digital veins is presented and an additional 20 from the world literature are reviewed. All our patients were female and suffered from a tender, bluish nodule on the palmar aspect of a digit at or distally to the proximal interphalangeal joint. In the first 2 cases, the diagnosis was confirmed on histology following excision. Four of the 6 cases were managed conservatively with a favorable outcome. All possible etiological factors were examined. Four of the 6 cases in whom blood flow stasis as a contributing factor could unequivocally be excluded were specifically tested for hypercoagulability. No hemostatic abnormalities were found. Surgical extirpation is indicated where the clinical diagnosis is in doubt, if symptoms persist, or if the nodule(s) progressively enlarge(s).