Thrombosed external jugular vein aneurysm mimics to a branchial cyst: A novel case from Iraq and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Venous aneurysms are rare diseases, and according to their locations, history will change. They will be diagnosed based on the clinical history and imaging modalities. The exact incidence of external jugular vein aneurysm remains controversial. In the neck, venous aneurysm has been reported most commonly in the internal jugular vein. Frequently the venous aneurysm has a fusiform shape, and the saccular type is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a case of the external jugular vein aneurysm which was misdiagnosed as a branchial cyst presented with gradual swelling in the left supraclavicular region. The patient was diagnosed intraoperatively, and by histopathological examination. The patient successfully underwent surgery of Proximal and distal control of the external jugular vein without resection of the clavicle were performed, and trans-fixation of the external jugular vein was done without any complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Idiopathic, spontaneous venous aneurysm of the external jugular vein thrombosis is extremely rare clinical findings. Computerized tomography was the gold standard test for the diagnosis of venous thrombosis, but nowadays neck ultrasound is the diagnostic test of choice. However, the mass was like a branchial cyst by ultrasound. CONCLUSION: External jugular vein aneurysm is rare, when it was a saccular type and thrombosed without any causes it will be extremely rare. When idiopathic thrombosis of external jugular vein aneurysm was confirmed by imaging modalities, then it was symptomatic, enlarged, ruptured or disfigured, the surgical excision will be mandatory without anticoagulant drugs preoperatively or postoperatively.