The Pathophysiological Tradition after Virchow

Abstract

The words ‘inflammation’, ‘phlebitis’ and ‘pus’ have denoted different entities and carried markedly different connotations at various times in history. These shifts of meaning can hinder 21st-century interpretation of some 18th- or 19th-century publications, and failure to take account of this difficulty has led to persistent misunderstandings. The continuing association of ‘phlebitis’ with venous thrombosis is particularly problematic. Discussion of the interpretation problem leads to an evaluation of the possible involvement of leukocytes as well as platelets in the aetiology of DVT and focuses attention on the origin of venous thrombi on the valve cusps. This discussion traces the continuation of the pathophysiological tradition into the 20th century.