Unexpected outcome from Trousseau syndrome

BACKGROUND: Unprovoked superficial thrombophlebitis and subsequent venous thromboembolism are well-described 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.