Supraclavicular node metastasis presenting with internal jugular vein thrombosis

Abstract

A case of internal jugular vein thrombosis secondary to compression by a metastasis in Virchow’s node and the investigations leading to the diagnosis is described. Internal jugular vein thrombosis was not an uncommon complication of fulminant sepsis in the head and neck in the pre-antibiotic era. The commonest causes are now iatrogenic usually secondary to central venous catheterisation or related to intravenous drug abuse. Thrombosis commonly complicates superior vena caval obstruction secondary to malignancy in the chest but isolated internal jugular vein thrombosis is rare and usually secondary to obvious tumour in the neck. Infection related to head and neck malignant disease may also cause venous thrombosis.