Internal jugular vein thrombosis - A rare presentation of mediastinal lymphoma

Internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis is an extremely rare vascular disease. It is usually secondary to intravenous drug abuse, prolonged central venous catheterization or deep head-neck infections or trauma. Associated malignancies are uncommon and not well documented in the etiology of IJV thrombosis. A 25-year-old male presented with complains of neck swelling on left side for last 1 month and shortness of breath for last 10 days with no ear or nose complain. Examination of his neck showed swelling along the anterior border of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle. An ultrasound scan of the neck and CECT neck revealed left IJV thrombosis. CECT thorax showed anterior mediastinal mass which on biopsy comes out to be non Hodgkin lymphoma. IV heparin was given for IJV thrombosis and patient was referred to radiotherapy department for further treatment.