This report emphasizes two aspects of the problem of venous thrombosis which have received very little documentation in the literature. Firstly, the development of marked thrombocytopenia and incoagulability of the blood in association with extensive thrombophlebitis is unusual. Secondly, the phenomenon of "heparin rebound,"1-4 which may have been of etiologic significance in the recrudescence and spread of venous thrombosis in this case, deserves reemphasis.
Report of a Case
A 79-year-old white man was admitted to St. Peter's General Hospital on Aug. 19, 1956. He was in apparent good health until three days before admission, when he fell, injuring his right leg. Later that day he developed swelling about that ankle, progressing gradually in the next few days to involve the calf and then the entire limb.On physical examination, the right lower extremity was slightly cyanotic, considerably swollen from the inguinal crease downward, and warm to the touch. Pitting