Congenital jugular vein phlebectasia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative complications of jugular vein phlebectasia (JVP), and to recommend diagnostic methods and treatment choices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six cases of JVP were reviewed (right vein in 27, left in 6, and bilateral in 3). The internal jugular veins were the most commonly involved. The main complaint was the soft and compressible mass in the neck. Ultrasound or color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) was performed on all the children. Surgical intervention was performed in 32 cases, and the other 4 cases were conservatively followed up for 4 to 6 years.

RESULTS

Ultrasound or CDFI demonstrated local dilatation of the unilateral or bilateral veins in all the patients. Surgical intervention included ligation of the involved jugular vein in 31 cases and draping with medical Dacron cloth in 1 case. All of the operated children recovered uneventfully, except 3 for cases who underwent ligation of the right internal jugular vein.

CONCLUSIONS

Valsalva maneuver was most important for establishing the diagnosis. Ultrasound or CDFI was the diagnostic procedure of choice to confirm the diagnosis of JVP. Surgical ligation or excision of unilateral jugular vein was recommended for cosmetic and psychological purposes. However, special attention must be paid to prevent postoperative complications in case of ligation of right internal jugular vein. Or else, treatment should be conservative (follow-up).