2004 Volume 15 Issue 5 Pages 397-402
Internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) has generally been considered rare and of limited clinical importance. IJVT may become more commonly reported as a result of increased usage of central venous catheters (CVCs) and increased concern about deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Here, we report 3 cases of IJVT that were treated at our department. Case 1 involved a 22-year-old woman with a history of CVC insertion via the right jugular vein. Case 2 involved a 44-year-old man with swelling on the left side of his neck; computed tomography (CT) revealed left IJVT and thrombus formation in the superior vena cava. Case 3 involved a 76-year-old man who had undergone radiation therapy for hypopharyngeal cancer; follow-up CT revealed left IJVT. All 3 patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Patients 1 and 3 received antiplatelet therapy, and patient 2 received anticoagulation treatment. None of the patients exhibited symptoms suggesting pulmonary embolism during the observation period. In case 1, the thrombus in the internal jugular vein disappeared. In cases 2 and 3, no change was seen in the thrombus. The patients had any of risk factors; endothelial injury, blood flow abnormalities or hypercoagulability. Because of several previous reports indicating that IJVT can lead to pulmonary embolism, the present patients were carefully observed. Management of IJVT generally involves conservative medical therapy, as there are usually a few indications for surgical intervention.
