MONDOR’S DISEASE

Mondor’s disease is the chronic inflammation (thrombophlebitis) of superficial veins of thoracoabdominal or thoraco epigastric region. Very few cases have been reported so far. The causes are numerous and have been mentioned as trauma, inflammation of skin, following breast surgery in cancerous condition, excessive physical activity, compressive bandages, tight clothing, infections and benign or malignant breast tumours. In the present case there was chronic thrombophlebitis of lateral thoracic vein, which was observed on the right pectoral region in middle aged male cadaver. It appeared as a thick, bluish coloured, cord like structure, seen in place of lateral thoracic vessels. When traced proximally, it was opening into the right subclavian vein immediately deep to the right clavicle. Histopathological examination confirmed the vein which was showing destruction of tunica intima as in chronic inflammatory condition. The lumen showed presence of clot. The complication of Mondor’s disease may lead to the spread of inflammation to other regions, clot formation, detachment of the clot leading to thrombo embolism.