ABSTRACT
R. Virchow outlined three variables operating in the pathogenesis of thrombosis: coagulability of the blood, impedence to the flow of blood, and changes in the vessel wall. M. Lamy reported pleural effusions, hemosiderosis, and adrenal hypertrophy, as well as venous and arterial thrombosis, in young adults who died of malnutrition following release from German prison camps at the end of World War II. Pelvic vein thrombosis presents a diagnostic problem and a serious hazard following certain forms of pelvic surgery. Abnormalities of ascorbic acid metabolism due to surgery, etc. may play a more important role than does a simple dietary deficiency of the vitamin. Much research and many theories have been devoted to the cause of deep-vein thrombosis and embolism; especially as regards the increased risk of these occurrences and other forms of cardiovascular disease in women taking the old high-dose combined estrogen-progestagen birth control pills.
