Thrombophlebitis of the External Jugular Vein

Abstract

To the Editor.— A case of spontaneous thrombophlebitis of the left external jugular vein appeared as an acute swelling in the posterior triangle of the neck. No cause was established. Report of a Case.— A 69-year-old white woman first noticed a tender red and swollen area on the left side of her neck on March 18, 1967, while creaming her face. Within half an hour, the mass doubled in size. There was no history of trauma, oral or pharyngeal infection, tooth extraction, venipuncture or thrombophlebitis in other locations. Although superficial varicosities of the lower extremities had been present for many years, she never had thrombophlebitis, superficial or deep. The soft tender mass in the posterior triangle measured about 2×3 cm, and the overlying skin was red. A cord could be palpated from the mass to the angle of the mandible, corresponding to the course of the external jugular vein. No