Fatal Haemorrhage from a Varicose Vein: A Case Report from 50 Years Ago

A 55-year old woman died of haemorrhage from a superficial varicose vein on her right leg. She had been in good health and had never been hospitalised. The author discusses the circumstances leading to this tragic event, which happened 50 years ago, and could have been avoided with simple measures. In fact, the actions taken by her relatives before they called for a doctor probably contributed to her death. A brief review of the literature describing such cases is included.