Internal jugular vein thrombosis.

Internal jugular vein thrombosis is a vascular disorder that is easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. It occurs in a variety of clinical settings which disrupt normal blood flow through the internal jugular vein. Intravenous drug abusers represent a high risk group in this study. Diagnosis is readily made by computed tomography. Seven patients are presented, with discussion of the pathogenesis, clinical findings, radiologic features, potential complications, and treatment rationale.