Jugular Vein Thrombosis

The veins in the neck that drain blood from the brain, head, face and neck to the heart are known as jugular veins. External jugular veins drain blood from the skull and deep parts of the face, whereas internal jugular veins collect blood from brain, face and neck. A blood clot may develop in the internal or external jugular vein and the condition is termed as jugular vein thrombosis.

Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis (IJV Thrombosis)

The internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJV thrombosis) is a rare and life-threatening condition, which is very hard to diagnose. The symptoms may include pain and swelling in the head and neck area. Fever and increased number of white blood cells also indicate the presence of this condition.Due to increased intracranial pressure a patient may experience headache and visual problems.  IJV thrombosis may occur, because of the following factors;

• Neck massage
• Head and neck infections
• Head or neck injury
• Surgery
• Polycythemia (bone marrow disorder due to excessive production of  red blood cells)
• Hyperhomocysteinemia (blood clot disorder)
• Intravenous drug abuse
• Head or neck cancer
• Spontaneous occurrence

 Complications

• Sepsis (systemic)
• Chylothorax (obstruction of the thoracic duct, fluid buildup in pleural cavity)
• Papilledema (optic disc swelling that increases intracranial pressure)
• Airway edema (thickening of the airway wall)
• Pulmonary embolism (blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches)

 

External jugular vein thrombosis (EJV Thrombosis)

EJV thrombosis is an extremely uncommon condition related with catheter insertion, intravenous drug abuse and head and neck infections. Other factors factors contributing in the development of this thrombosis include age, obesity and upper abdomen and pelvic surgery.

CT scan, MRI and ultrasonography are some of the effective screening tests for detecting this type of thrombosis.

Treatment of jugular vein thrombosis

Most common method for treating jugular vein thrombosis for both internal and external type is through anti-coagulation (blood thinning medications). Antibiotics are given to treat the infections causing this condition. The duration of anti-coagulation therapy and antibiotics treatment is about 4 to 6 weeks. Surgery is required in severe cases of infections for the drainage of fluids and for the removal of the infected cells. A surgery may also be required on emergency basis in case of airway complications. Particular treatment methods are used to treat the underlying conditions of jugular vein thrombosis.

The prognosis of this condition is dependent on the early diagnosis, which can prevent numerous complications.