A Rare Cause of Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis: Deep Tissue Massage.

BACKGROUND

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis accounts for a small percentage of all deep vein thrombosis cases, and internal jugular vein thrombosis is a rare subset within that category. Typically, internal jugular vein thrombosis is found in patients with predisposing risk factors such as infections, local trauma secondary to venous catheterization, intravenous drug use, and malignancy.

CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a patient with no typical risk factors for thrombus formation who developed internal jugular vein thrombosis following a deep tissue massage with a focus on the neck area. The patient developed right arm pain shortly after the massage, prompting her to present to the emergency department. Ultrasound revealed a nonocclusive thrombus in the right internal jugular vein. The patient was started on rivaroxaban, and her symptoms resolved.

CONCLUSION

Deep tissue massage is not a well-established cause of internal jugular vein thrombosis. This case emphasizes the importance of obtaining a thorough patient history to assess for uncommon traumatic causes of internal jugular vein thrombosis.