Thrombosis of the jugular vein can occur either in the internal jugular vein or in the external jugular vein. Actually, a clot found in the internal jugular vein is more caused by thrombosis of other veins, or by neck vein line insertion (catheterization). This condition can lead to many complications like systemic sepsis, superior vena cava syndrome, subclavian vein thrombosis, empyema, renal failure, cerebral edema, septic arthritis etc.

• Causes of thrombosis of the jugular vein:

As has already been mentioned above, thrombosis in the jugular vein mostly occurs in patients who are hospitalized and have neck catheterization, that means insertion of neck central line. The main causes behind this condition are deep neck infection, neck and head malignancy, neck massage, trauma, polycythemia or use of intravenous drugs. These are a few of the causes for jugular vein thrombosis to occur.

• Diagnosis of thrombosis in jugular vein:

To diagnose thrombosis of the jugular vein at the earliest stage is difficult as the signs and symptoms of this condition are very subtle. Neck pain and swelling on neck is found in internal jugular thrombosis. The swelling can also be seen in upper extremities. In some cases, pain and swelling could also be absent. As compared to internal jugular vein thrombosis the cases of external jugular vein thrombosis are very few. External jugular vein thrombosis takes place mostly because of neck catheter insertion. External vein thrombosis can transmit to internal jugular vein thrombi.

There are various tests done to diagnose thrombosis of the jugular vein, they are as follows:

• Contrast venography
• Ultra sonography
• Contrast enhanced CT scan
• MRI
• Nuclear medicine scan

By performing these tests, jugular vein thrombosis can be diagnosed.

• Treatment of jugular vein thrombosis:

To treat internal and external jugular vein thrombosis different methods can be applied. Which method is suitable is depended upon the type and severity of the disease. Here are all possible treatment therapies to treat thrombosis in jugular vein.

Thrombosis in the internal jugular vein which has no complications can be treated by surgery. However, in the case of deep neck infections it needs to be drained of the collected fluids and also the debridement of infected tissues is required.

Excision of the Internal jugular vein may be required in cases of intra-luminal abscesses to prevent serious complications. However, most of the times post-anginal sepsis can be cured with medicines and in such cases there is no need of surgery. Antibiotic therapy is effective in such cases; very rarely this therapy is not successful. It is important to note that there can be persisting fever in some cases; particularly, with metastatic infection.

These are the treatments for jugular vein thrombosis. It is important that this disease is diagnosed at the earliest so that further complications can be avoided.

Those who need to insert a neck central line should consult with their health care provider about the precautions they can take to avoid thrombosis in the jugular vein and also any further complications. Take extreme care of yourself and follow all the instructions of your health care provider carefully.