Bilateral suppurative thrombophlebitis due to Staphylococcus aureus

Suppurative thrombophlebitis is an infection of the wall of a superficial vein, usually is associated with intravenous catheter placement, and accounts for about 10% of all nosocomial infections. Suppurative thrombophlebitis occurs most commonly in patients with burns, patients with cancer, and persons receiving steroids. Skin flora organisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and to a lesser extent Exterobacteriaceae) are the most common pathogens. Suppurative thrombophlebitis should be suspected when a patient having phlebitis presents with a temperature of 102° F or higher. The diagnosis of suppurative thrombophlebitis is usually straightforward and made by demonstration of pus coming from the wound of the removed intravenous device or by aspiration of pus percutaneously from the involved vein. Treatment of superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis consists of venotomy of the affected vessel and systemic antimicrobial therapy. We present a case of S. aureus bilateral suppurative thrombophlebitis, which is most unusual.