Internal jugular vein aneurysm: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysm is a localized dilatation of an artery of at least 1.5 times the normal diameter that occurs when part of an artery wall weakens or is injured, allowing it to widen abnormally. In practice, an arterial aneurysm is more common in comparison to a venous aneurysm. Because of the rare incidence of venous aneurysms, treatment guidelines are not clearly established and thus treatment strategies vary. This is a case of a 57-year-old Saudi woman, with no significant medical history, who presented to Prince Sultan Military Hospital complaining of swelling in the right side of the neck that started 3 years ago. The patient reported that the swelling enlarged with coughing and straining, but there was no pain, change in skin color, dysphagia, change in voice, neurological defect, shortness of breath, history of any trauma to the neck, surgical intervention, or any lump. The condition can be diagnosed via ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of guidelines, intervention was necessary because the patient was anxious regarding the increase in the size of the swelling, which she felt had a negative psychosocial impact. Moreover, because the sizable venous aneurysm harbored a mural thrombus that increased the risk of embolization and pulmonary embolism, surgery was offered. Indication for surgery includes pain, swelling, and cosmetic concerns. Conservative management of the condition is described in the literature.