Internal jugular phlebectasia: case report and literature review.

Abstract

Internal jugular phlebectasia is a non-tortuous abnormal dilation of the internal jugular vein that presents as a cervical mass with a saccular or fusiform aneurysmal appearance and is most common in male pediatric patients. Its etiologies include congenital, cervical trauma, tumors, and previous surgeries. The clinical picture is generally asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, the most common complaint is pain in the affected cervical area. Diagnosis is established by visualization of the dilation when triggered by increased intrathoracic pressure during actions such as coughing or crying and is confirmed by imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography. Therapeutic management is typically conservative, with surgical intervention reserved for cases with symptoms or complications.