[The so-called "economy class" syndrome or travel thrombosis]

Thrombosis and pulmonary embolism associated with air travelling is known as "economy class syndrome". However, as it is observed even using other means of transportation, it can generally be described as "traveller's thrombosis". Our own observations include 5 patients with thrombo-embolic disease, which occurred after long-distance travel. In respect to the large number of travellers, the reported incidence of associated thrombosis seems to be remarkably low, and there is no epidemiological evidence about travel and thromboembolic disease. On the other hand, retrospective analysis of patients with manifest thrombosis of any origin reveals in about 5% the circumstances of transportation as possible agent. Anyhow, according to literature the risk of thrombosis could be regarded as quite low. Preventive action during long-distance travelling should be taken into consideration in patients with high risk of thromboembolism.