Background The wide variations in reported incidence and mortality rates reflect gaps in the epidemiology of venous thromboembolic disease (VTD), a clinical entity with two different manifestations – deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. We reviewed recent studies and data sources to find the most useful estimates of its epidemiologic indicators in France.

Methods We used international medical databases to conduct a systematic literature review. Our search focused on the incidence and mortality rates of VTD in France and examined epidemiologic studies, autopsy studies, clinical trials, and national morbidity and mortality databases.

Results The annual incidence of deep vein thrombosis is approximately 120 per 100,000 in France and 60-100 per 100,000 worldwide; the annual incidence of pulmonary embolism, the principal serious complication of deep vein thrombosis, is between 60 to 111 per 100,000 in France and between 23 and 107 per 100,000 internationally. The reported mortality rate for VTD in France is 7.2 per 100,000, but estimates from international autopsy series suggest a pulmonary embolism prevalence among hospital patients of 0.8 to 1%.

Conclusion This study demonstrates the limitations of current epidemiologic knowledge about VTD. Improved information about this disease requires better case reporting and large population-based longitudinal cohort studies.