Radiographic Thrombus within the External Jugular Vein: Report of a Rare Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract

We are reporting a case of a 91-year-old male with a primary malignancy of the right parotid gland with radiographic thrombus extension within the right external jugular vein. He was treated with palliative radiation therapy to the right parotid mass with a marked clinical response. The rarity of this occurrence as documented in the review of the literature provides for uncertainty with regard to proper management. Radiographic evidence of thrombus in the absence of clinical manifestations, the role of anticoagulation, and the proper radiation target delineation were all challenges encountered in the care of this patient. Our case represents a rare occurrence with unique radiologic findings that has implications for management.