Abstract:
Background: Unprovoked superficial thrombophlebitis and subsequent venous thromboembolism are welldescribed
albeit rare presenting features of advanced visceral malignancy that often manifest too late for curative
intervention to be beneficial.
Case Presentation: We present the first reported case of early gastric carcinoma presenting with these
paraneoplastic phenomena in an otherwise healthy farmer. The early presentation allowed for a curative partial
gastrectomy, which itself was complicated by the presence of a deep vein thrombosis extending into the inferior
vena cava. Fortunately, stabilization of the clot allowed for surgery to proceed without the need for a caval filter.
The patient was referred for adjuvant chemotherapy and has since made an excellent recovery.
Conclusions: This case provides new evidence for the presentation of superficial thrombophlebitis in early gastric
carcinoma and the potential for curative surgery in such instances. A high index of suspicion and a prompt
diagnostic workup are essential for timely planning and execution of surgery in these early albeit rare
presentations.