[Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein secondary to acute pharyngotonsillitis]

Acute pharyngotonsillitis is one of the most common diseases in children and adolescents. The most frequent etiology is virus, followed by bacteria. The main bacterial agent is beta hemolytic Streptococcus group A. A rare complication of pharyngeal infectious processes is septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. The diagnosis is suspected in the presence of an inflammatory unilateral neck swelling. The diagnosis is confirmed by contrast computed tomography. Treatment consists of prolonged administration of antibiotics, being the use of anticoagulants controversial. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent persistent vascular occlusion and progression of the thrombus, which can cause pulmonary emboli. In the present study, we present a teenager with thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein secondary to acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and treatment of this rare vascular complication are described herein.