Internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with acute mastoiditis in a pediatric age.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the clinical aspects and management of internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with acute otitis media.

STUDY DESIGN

Case reports and review of the literature.

SETTING

University hospital, tertiary referral center.

PATIENT

The authors describe two cases of internal jugular vein thrombosis, without sigmoid sinus thrombosis, secondary to acute otomastoiditis.

INTERVENTION

Jugular vein thrombosis was diagnosed in both cases by observation of filling defects of the involved jugular bulb on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and confirmed by conventional magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance venography.

RESULTS

Both patients recovered after recanalization of the vessel concomitant to anticoagulation and antibiotic treatment associated with a simple mastoidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Internal jugular vein thrombosis may be a complication of acute otitis media, without involvement of the sigmoid sinus and with a starting point in the jugular bulb. Anticoagulation associated with antibiotic therapy can be considered a safe and effective treatment. Surgery should only be performed to eliminate the source of infection from the middle ear and mastoid.