[Thrombophlebitis migrans].

Semantically, the term is correct, because inflammatory involvement of the vein wall predominates over thrombosis, and the indication for anti-inflammatory drugs is absolute while that for anticoagulants is secondary. The nosological characteristics are its relapsing, migratory and primary nature. But, in fact, this is a "signal-symptom", whether involving normal or varicose veins, with nodular or stranded appearance, with patches of hypodermal inflammation or erysipeloid. The major problem is that of aetiology: infections, systemic disease, blood diseases, deep-seated neoplasia... not to mention the gouty diathesis, hiatus hernia, polycythaemia, Buerger's disease and Behçet's syndrome... The author emphasizes the value of capillaroscopy, biopsy of vein and digital pulp and the search for antivein antibodies. Therapy is discussed.