Jugular Vein Phlebectasia (IJP): Surgically Manageable But Ignored Entity

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) malformations are rare, congenital dilatations.
• They typically present as unilateral neck masses in children and young adults.
• The etiology of IJV malformations remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of IJV malformation in a pediatric patient.
• To emphasize the importance of considering IJV malformations in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.
• To highlight the potential for misdiagnosis and the need for appropriate management.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 4-year-old male with a painless right neck swelling.
• Clinical examination and diagnostic workup for the neck mass.
• Surgical intervention involving exploration and graft wrapping of the dilated IJV segment.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of right IJV malformation was confirmed.
• The patient underwent surgical repair using a polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft.
• The report underscores the rarity and potential for misdiagnosis of this condition.

Conclusions:

• IJV malformations are rare and often overlooked, leading to misdiagnosis.
• Considering IJV malformations in the differential diagnosis is essential for timely and accurate management.
• This case emphasizes the need for increased awareness among clinicians dealing with neck masses in pediatric populations.