Pulmonary embolism secondary to anomalies of deep venous system of the leg

Two cases of recurrent pulmonary emboli secondary to thrombosis in anomalies of the deep veins of the lower limb are presented. In both cases the source of emboli was not evident clinically, and it was only after venography that the venous anomalies were discovered, both being confined to one limb and amenable to surgical intervention. Such anomalies have not previously been reported as sources of venous thromboembolism in adults. The importance of venography in establishing the source of pulmonary emboli, especially when recurrent, is stressed.