The occurrence of thromboembolic events following airplane flights--'the economy class syndrome'.

The occurrence of thromboembolic phenomena following long-distant airplane flights is well characterized in the literature. However, it seems that despite being repeatedly described, the recognition of its implications by the medical services at the airports is still insufficient. We describe two cases: the first presented with a clinical picture consistent with the diagnosis of pulmonary embolus validated by a lung perfusion-ventilation scan, and the second, with deep vein thrombosis in his left femoral vein. Both patients were diagnosed several days after a prolonged airway flight. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the thromboembolic phenomena known to be associated with airplane flights, provide possible mechanisms to account for their envolvement, and emphasize the measures that should be taken to prevent their occurrence.