Internal jugular phlebectasia--an unusual cause of neck swelling.
We describe a 7-year-old child who presented with a soft fluctuant swelling on the neck which became more prominent during the Valsalva manoeuvre. He underwent adeno-tonsillectomy based on a mistaken diagnosis of ballooning of the pharynx secondary to enlarged adenoids and tonsils obstructing the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways. Investigations revealed the swelling to be a markedly dilated internal jugular vein. We discuss the diagnostic features and mode of treatment of this condition so as to avoid unnecessary and dangerous surgical intervention.
Indudharan
R
R
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. indudharanr@hotmail.com
Quah
B S
BS
Shuaib
I L
IL
D002648:Child; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000150:complications; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography