Spontaneous thrombosis of the internal jugular vein.

The internal jugular vein is an uncommon site of deep venous thrombosis. Infection, prolonged central venous catheterization, and trauma are the usual causes of this condition. We present an unusual case of spontaneous thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. The evaluation of this case included a search for possible anatomic, hematologic, and oncologic conditions which could predispose to hypercoagulability and thrombosis. Anticoagulation therapy resulted in complete resolution of thrombosis and subsequent recanalization of the internal jugular vein.