[Pulmonary thromboembolic diseases in Ivory Coast (apropos of 13 cases)].

From January 1983 to March 1984, 13 cases of pulmonary thrombo-embolic disease (PTE) were reported at the Abidjan cardiology Institute. Disease frequency is higher than usually reported in Africa. The reason is that angiography was carried out as soon as the clinical diagnosis was suspected. Radiologic examination allowed to locate with accuracy the level of the thrombosis. Under heparin, a favourable course of the disease was noted any time a phlebitis of lower extremity was involved. Two deaths occurred among the 13 cases. Few differences are noted in Africa and temperate zones as regard to disease behaviour. However, frequency of obstetrical and infectious aetiology is to be outlined.