[Iatrogenic thrombosis of the jugular vein. A case report]

We report on a 52-year-old female patient who developed a thrombophlebitis with consecutive thrombosis of the internal jugular vein 14 days after hemicolectomy and prolonged central venous catheterisation. The tip of the polyethylene catheter was placed in the internal jugular vein. The pathophysiology of the thrombotic inflammation can be related to local alterations of the vessel wall due to mechanical irritation as well as hyperosmotic solutions on one side and bacterial infection on the other. The life threatening complications such as septicaemia, diffuse embolisation of other organs and the development of superior vena cava syndrome can be prevented only by instantaneous surgical removal of the jugular vein. Additionally, antibiotic and highdose heparine therapy are necessary. A review of the literature supports our experience.