Paediatric primary cough headache with internal jugular phlebectasia

Abstract

Primary cough headaches (PCHs) are mainly observed in people aged >40 years, but cough-induced headaches are potentially symptomatic in children. We report a case of a child diagnosed with PCH without an intracranial disease. A 7-year-old boy presented with cough due to pertussis and powerful cough-induced headaches. No brain abnormalities were detected, but the right side of his neck was observed to swell. Echo examination confirmed right internal jugular vein dilatation during a Valsalva manoeuvre, and the patient was diagnosed with PCH with internal jugular phlebectasia. PCHs are normally reported in adults, but they can also occur in children. PCHs and internal jugular vein abnormalities may be related. Thus, tests assessing internal jugular vein morphology and function should be considered for PCH cases.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a Vein! Jugular Vein Phlebectasia in a Pediatric Patient With Tracheomalacia

“…This could potentially have contributed to the discovery of right-sided phlebectasia. The constant stress from repeated bouts of coughing led to increased intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in transient retrograde venous flow [ 10 ]. In fact, during coughing, the intrathoracic pressure increases from 100-250 mmHg, depending on the severity, to as high as 300 mmHg in adults [ 11 ].…”

Congenital Internal Jugular Phlebectasia: An Anomaly Still Poorly Recognized

“…The etiology is unclear [2]. A systematic review performed on this condition [1] identified 97 articles describing 206 pediatric patients.…”

“…The etiology is unclear. 2 A systematic review performed on this condition 1 identified 97 articles describing 206 pediatric patients. Nonetheless, it remains a poorly known condition, usually diagnosed from a few months to several years after the onset of symptoms.…”