Idiopathic Internal Jugular Vein and Subclavian Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Venous thrombosis is a vascular disorder which is a consequence of Virchow's triad: hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and endothelial injury. While lower extremity deep venous thrombosis is common, upper torso thrombosis is a rare clinical condition and usually a complication of central venous catheterization or malignancy-related paraneoplastic syndromes. Herein, we present a rare case of a 64-year-old male who presented with right upper extremity and right facial swelling who was found to have a thrombus in the right internal jugular vein and right subclavian vein with no predisposing factors. He was successfully treated with anticoagulation without any complications.

Keywords: anticoagulation; upper extremity; venous thrombosis.

Figure 1. Venous duplex ultrasonography of the neck veins

The venous duplex ultrasonographic study showed a non-occlusive thrombus (yellow arrow) in proximal right internal jugular vein in the top panel with a clear view of the thrombus (green arrow) in a magnified view in the bottom panel.

Figure 2. Venous duplex ultrasonography of the neck veins in color mode

The venous duplex ultrasonography in color mode showed a non-occlusive thrombus in right subclavian vein (yellow arrow) at the confluence of cephalic vein. A mildly diminished flow is noted in the study.