Thrombophlebitis Migrans (Trousseau Syndrome) in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: An Autopsy Report

[Skin diseases as indicators of cancer]

In contrast to the obligatory paraneoplasias, which are usually rare, diseases such as Sweet's syndrome, thrombophlebitis or herpes zoster are more common. But they are less frequently associated with neoplasia. The risk of overlooking an associated neoplasm is therefore greater. In this article, prototypic diseases are presented with their clinical appearance, possible pathogenesis and treatment options; this is accompanied by raising awareness of potential associations with cancer. The emphasis on the distinct features of the neoplasm-associated forms should enable more reliable detection of these variants and hopefully contribute to an earlier diagnosis of associated neoplasms. These peculiarities include the jumping or wandering thrombophlebitis occurring as Trousseau's syndrome, recurrent, severe courses with involvement of the oral mucosa in Sweet's syndrome or the necrotizing, gangrenous clinical course, often with a multisegment distribution pattern of herpes zoster. Studies on the association of facultative cutaneous paraneoplasias with certain tumors are presented. However, no general recommendation for tumor screening in patients with herpes zoster, Sweet's syndrome or thrombophlebitis can be given. In atypical courses, particularly severe manifestations or the absence of other causes, more extensive diagnostic procedures appear appropriate in order not to miss possibly associated neoplasms.

IJV thrombophlebitis: be wary of the occult

A 43-year-old woman was referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department with a 3-day history of left-sided neck pain and swelling associated with fevers and night sweats. She also reported a cough, oral thrush and a dental extraction more than a month previously. A CT scan of the neck with contrast revealed left internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombophlebitis and the patient was initially managed for suspected Lemierre's syndrome. Subsequent investigations revealed a locally advanced metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma as the cause of her thrombosis, which was deemed inoperable. The patient was referred to oncology and commenced on palliative chemotherapy.The incidence of thrombophlebitis in patients with cancer is high. Although the IJV is a relatively uncommon site of thrombus formation, IJV thrombophlebitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As it may be the first manifestation of an occult malignancy, a neoplastic cause should always be considered.