Usefulness of ultrasonography and Doppler color flow imaging in the diagnosis of internal jugular phlebectasia

Abstract

A 20-year-old woman presented to our hospital for investigation of a left neck mass. Ultrasonographic examination of the jugular mass demonstrated an echo-free space, the caliber of which markedly increased when the patient shifted from the sitting to the recumbent position or performed a Valsalva maneuver. On color Doppler flow imaging, a slow flow signal flowing in the direction opposite to that of the common carotid artery was found within this space. Ultrasonography and color Doppler flow imaging thus proved to be useful for correctly diagnosing internal jugular phlebectasia.

Internal Jugular Vein Phlebectasia Presenting with Hoarseness of Voice

“…Unless complications occur or the lesions are cosmetically deforming, most authors recommend conservative management [1, 10]. Surgery is indicated for cosmetic reasons and in symptomatic patients only [2].…”

Internal Jugular Phlebectasia

“…However, microscopic examination of a dissected portion of the dilated IJV showed paucity or absence of muscle layer, therefore, it is assumed to be a consenital muscle defect of the venous wall [6,7,8], I:> Ultrasonographic examination of the jugular mass demonstrates an echo-free space, the calibre of which markedly increases when the patient is made to cough as seen in this case, when moved from the sitting to the recumbent position or on performing a Valsalva manoeuvre. Colour Doppler flow imaging shows a slow flow signal flowing in the direction opposite to that of the common carotid artery [9].…”

Phlebectasia of Internal Jugular Vein

“…[2] Color Doppler imaging confirms the presence or absence of blood flow and thrombus formation in the lumen of the vein and is the gold standard for diagnosis of jugular vein phlebectasia. [6] Generally, histopathologic studies show normal pattern. In some cases, there is a loss or disordered arrangement in the smooth muscle cells, elastic fibers, and connective tissue.…”