Internal jugular vein phlebectasia in a one‐year‐old Warmblood stallion

Abstract

SummaryInternal jugular vein phlebectasia (IJVP) is a saccular or fusiform dilation of the internal jugular vein without tortuosity. In human patients, it causes an asymptomatic intermittent unilateral swelling in the lower part of the neck. Although the diagnosis can be suggested based on the clinical features, confirmation by imaging techniques is necessary. This report describes the first reported case of IJVP in a one‐year‐old Warmblood horse. The horse was admitted with a large, soft intermittent swelling in the right jugular groove, especially when lowering the head. Ultrasound showed an enlarged vein (10 cm diameter) draining normally towards the heart. Furthermore, contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) revealed a large distention of the deep venous system on the right side of the neck. Due to uncertain future athletic performance and both the extent and the complexity of the venous dilation, surgical intervention was declined and the horse was subjected to euthanasia. Post‐mortem dissection revealed a small right external jugular vein but a markedly dilated right internal jugular vein (10 cm diameter), which is normally absent in horses. Based on the imaging and necropsy findings, diagnosis of IJVP was made.