Thromboembolic Disease Associated With Norethynodrel

In the Henry Ford Hospital during a 14-month period thromboembolic d isease occurred in 6 women who had been taking norethynodrel (Enovid). Thrombophlebitis was observed in 3 and pulmonary infarction in 2. An arterial occlusion in 1 patient resulted in the loss of a leg below the knee. Mild diabetes also existed in this patient. Another patient has worn a cast for fracture until 3 weeks prior to admission. Although no local signs of thrombophlebitis were elicited, x-ray of the chest showed a pleural effusion considered typical of pulmonary infarction. During a pregnancy 6 months previously 1 patient may have had a thrombophlebitis. In the other 3 cases no predisposing cause was detected. Although statistical and experimental evidence is lacking, cl inical experience suggests that a possible etologic relationship exists in susceptible individuals.