Phlebectasia of external jugular vein

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Right neck swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female

Dilated right external jugular vein along its course till its termination at the right subclavian vein lateral to the junction of the subclavian vein and the internal jugular vein.

Case Discussion

Phlebectasia is an uncommon condition of the venous system, possibly of a congenital etiology.

Clinically, phlebectasia usually presents as a neck mass that enlarges with Valsalva maneuver.

This mass decreases in size at rest or when the patient sits upright. Because of its rarity, phlebectasia is frequently misdiagnosed.

In the neck, phlebectasia most often affects the internal jugular vein in both children and adults.

However, almost any of the cervicofacial veins, such as the anterior jugular vein or the anterior facial vein, may also be affected.

Usually no treatment is necessary for this benign condition

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