Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis Mimicking Sternoclavicular Joint Septic Arthritis- A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Internal jugular vein thrombosis is a vascular disease occurring spontaneously. Some of the predisposing factors include trauma, intravenous catheterization and deep neck infections. It is important to an orthopaedician, as it mimics sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis very closely. This can lead to wrong decision in opting for surgical drainage of the abscess which may turn out to be disastrous to the patient. Our case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency room with pain, swelling and redness over the sternoclavicular joint. Initial evaluation suggested septic arthritis of left sternoclavicular joint. On further evaluation this was ruled out and finally diagnosed as internal jugular vein thrombosis with adhesive capsulitis of left shoulder.

Keywords

• intravenous catheterisation
• joint sepsis
• venous thromboembolism