[Thromboembolic events related to travel, with the train too].

Introduction: The risk of thromboembolic events related to travel is not exclusively due to air travel. We report the case of a patient who presented pulmonary embolism after prolonged train travel.

Observation: An 82 Year-old patient had a significant past history of ischemic heart disease. He traveled by train, in a sitting position, for around 12 hours from Barcelona (Spain) to Paris (France). Approximately 24 hours after the journey, he presented pain in the right leg and dyspnea, which increased during the following 48 hours. Ultrasonographic cardiac examination revealed pulmonary arterial hypertension (54mm Hg), acute right ventricular failure and showed a thrombus located in the pulmonary artery, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Ultrasonography diagnosed deep venous thrombosis of the right leg. Treatment with heparin and oral anticoagulant was initiated. Evolution was favorable and the patient was discharged home 14 days later. No further medical event occurred during the Year that followed.

Discussion: The mechanisms that precede the development of a venous thrombosis are not specific to the method of transport. Blood vessel wall lesions, venous stasis and blood clotting component abnormalities, principle elements in the development of thrombosis according to Virchow's triad, are enhanced by prolonged sitting position, during travel, whether in planes or not. The role of other risk factors, personal or depending on the condition of travel, remains unknown. Simple prophylactic measures should be widely proposed during long travel, whatever the mode of transport.

Conclusion: The development of a venous thrombosis, enhanced by prolonged sitting position, can occur whatever the form of travel. Prophylactic measures should be widely prescribed for prolonged travel, taking in consideration personal thromboembolic risk factors and circumstances of travel.