External jugular vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism: Case report

Dhaher JS Alhabbo

International Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
Published: November 4 2015
Volume 3, Issue 4
Pages 116-121

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is commonly presented with non-specific symptoms and clinical signs which are very easily missed or misdiagnosed. Massive PE may lead to death during the first few hours of the event. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is vital and very important because repeated embolization and death can be prevented with immediate treatment. Ken Moser explain the morbidity and mortality from these events as “substantial and unacceptable” as PE is not a disease by itself but it is rather a complication of deep vein thrombosis. Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis is not insignificant risk factor for PE. The objective of this study is to report pulmonary embolism secondary to external jugular vein thrombosis. The case report is a 45-year old male presented with history of dyspnea and right sided chest pain accompanied by tender right supraclavicular mass lesion. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit in the teaching hospital. The diagnosis of external jugular vein thrombosis with secondary pulmonary embolism was made by C. T. angiography. In conclusion, external jugular vein thrombosis with secondary pulmonary embolism is rare but should be put in mind.

Keywords: Embolization, clinical signs, misdiagnosed, morbidity, mortality.

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