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Internal jugular vein ectasia--a rare cause for paroxysmal cough.
K Padmanabhan1, B Vaishali, R Indudharan
1Department of ENT, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala, India.
Internal jugular vein ectasia, a rare condition causing neck swelling, can lead to persistent cough. Surgical removal of the dilated vein effectively resolved the cough in a teenage patient.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Pediatric Case Study
Background:
- Internal jugular vein ectasia is a rare, often undiagnosed condition.
- It typically presents as a soft, compressible neck mass that enlarges with increased intrathoracic pressure.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old girl presented with intractable paroxysmal cough.
- Physical examination revealed a soft, compressible neck swelling.
Findings:
- Ultrasound suggested internal jugular vein ectasia, confirmed by CT scan and Doppler.
- The dilated right internal jugular vein was compressing the vagus nerve.
Implications:
- Surgical ligation and excision of the ectatic vein provided immediate relief from the cough.
- This case highlights a rare cause of persistent cough in adolescents and the efficacy of surgical intervention.
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