[Exercise deep venous thrombosis: myth or reality? About three cases of pulmonary embolism in long-distance runners]

Abstract

The most frequent manifestation of exercise deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the one occurring in upper limbs, in some specific and stereotypic conditions, sometimes complicated by pulmonary embolisms. A few cases of lower limbs DVT are reported in athletes. Some pathophysiologic arguments (rheological modifications, parietal lesions and coagulation abnormalities) suggest a link between DVT and exertion, but the causality is sometimes difficult to establish. We report three cases of pulmonary embolism occurring after a prolonged effort of running in trained marathon athletes. To our knowledge, very few similar cases have ever been reported. The possible responsibility of such physical efforts is discussed, as well as other potential cofactors such as coagulation abnormalities and hormonal contraception.