A Child with Internal Jugular Vein Phlebectasia Masquerade as Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Pediatric neck swelling is common; the most common pathology encountered in primary care is benign reactive cervical lymphadenopathy. Internal jugular phlebectasia is rare and may be missed on initial presentation. The Valsalva manoeuvre is simple yet clinically useful, narrowing the differential diagnosis. Imaging studies, including Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography, are the first-line modalities to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diagnoses. Management is primarily conservative, with surveillance follow-up, while surgery is reserved for symptomatic cases or for cases with complications.