Jugular Vein Thrombosis
Jugular vein thrombosis is a clot in one of the major veins in the neck and can be related to infection, catheters, cancer, or clotting disorders.
When to get help quickly: Prompt review is important if swelling is worsening, fever is present, breathing or swallowing is affected, or there is concern about clot extension.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include neck pain, swelling, tenderness, fever, or visible fullness in the neck, though some cases are found during imaging for another reason.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm the clot, show how far it extends, and look for complications such as infection or spread into nearby veins.
What radiology does
Ultrasound and CT can help confirm the clot and look for related swelling or extension.
What usually happens next
Treatment may include blood thinners, infection treatment when relevant, and management of the underlying cause.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.