Prenatal Detection and Postnatal Confirmation of Internal Jugular Vein Phlebectasia

The vascular laboratory was asked to evaluate a 1-day-old male infant who presented with a neck mass that was first detected by prenatal ultrasound imaging. Duplex ultrasound imaging revealed an internal jugular venous aneurysm that was later confirmed by computed tomography (CT) imaging. The diagnosis was consistent with internal jugular vein phlebectasia, a rare congenital venous anomaly characterized by an abnormal dilatation of a vein. This case highlights the capability to provide early diagnosis using non-invasive imaging techniques in identifying venous anomalies in neonates. Although internal jugular vein phlebectasia is uncommon, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck masses in infants and young children. Early recognition allows for appropriate management and follow-up for these patients.