Diplopia-an unheralded consequence of neck dissection: case report

Neck dissection is a part of the standard surgical procedure in the management of head and neck malignancy. Diplopia following neck dissection is a rare entity; hence, its diagnosis and management strategies needed to be discussed for prevention of its grave consequences.

A 30-year-old male patient presented with binocular horizontal diplopia following total thyroidectomy and neck dissection. On evaluation, there was internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis followed by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). After meticulous medical management with diuretics and antiplatelet drugs, diplopia resolved completely and normal vision was restored.

Therapeutic ligation of internal jugular vein during neck dissection may result in IJV thrombosis followed by CVST leading to raised intracranial tension (ICT). It has to be anticipated and addressed as early as possible to prevent its grave consequences like blindness and death.