Internal jugular phlebectasia in children

Phlebectasia is an abnormal dilatation of an isolated vein, may affect any vein, and is usually asymptomatic. When the internal jugular vein is involv ed, it presents as a cervical swelling that can mimic the signs of either p haryngocele or a laryngocele and, because of its rarity, is frequently misd iagnosed. We describe 2 cases:of :phlebectasia of internal jugular vein in children with voice change in one of them. No treatment is necessary for th is benign, self-limiting condition. Clinical features, diagnosis, treatment options, and a review of the literature about this rare venous lesion are presented. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.