Spontaneous jugular vein thrombosis

Jugular vein thrombosis (JVT) is usually secondary to central venous catheterisation, distant malignancy, hypercoagulable state or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Spontaneous internal JVT is an extremely rare entity. A 61-year-old man presented with swelling of the right side of his face. An ultrasonographic scan showed thrombosis of the right jugular vein. Clinical tests, including oncomarkers, X-ray, CT scan and abdominal ultrasonography, searching for malignancy, were negative. The patient was heparinized immediately using LMWH and then underwent warfarin anticoagulation therapy for 6 months. One year later the patient was in good clinical condition with no malignancy diagnosed. Aetiology and the treatment of spontaneous JVT are discussed.