Internal jugular phlebectasia: A rare case report in an Indian female

Abstract

Phlebectasia is an abnormal dilatation of an isolated vein, which may affect any vein, and is rarely symptomatic. Internal jugular vein phlebectasia (JVP) presents as fusiform neck mass during straining or triggered by Valsalva maneuver. Due to its rarity, it is often misdiagnosed and ignored. Most cases are reported in children and sometimes later in age. The authors here report a case of right internal JVP, with an unusual coexisting presentation of tongue deformity in an Indian female patient. The aim of documenting this case is to sensitize the oral physician of this rare neck mass which is seldom reported in the dental literature. Furthermore, phlebectasia should be one of the differential diagnosis of neck mass. Although there are rarely any complications recorded in the literature, thorough investigations (ultrasound with Doppler) are needed for correct diagnosis and referral if needed. Diagnosis would prevent unnecessary surgical interventions. The patients are generally followed up by conservative treatment.