Tropical thrombophlebitis. The role of relapsing fever in its causation.

In tropical thrombophlebitis the leg veins are most often involved, but in some patients thrombosis of the visceral veins may be fatal. As its cause is unknown, attention is called to outbreaks of relapsing fever in the Transvaal which effects labourers on citrus and maize farms and which often develops into thrombophlebitis. Appropriate tests for relapsing fever should be done in patients who develop this complication. Passengers on long overnight journeys by air are liable to deep vein thrombosis and should exercise to avoid it.