Internal jugular vein thrombosis in association with the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein is a rare entity with the potential for serious consequences. Most of the reported cases of jugular venous thr ombosis have occurred in the presence of an indwelling venous catheter, an established hypercoagulable state, or in association with head and neck sep sis. This report presents a case of a patient in whom jugular venous thromb osis developed during the first trimester of pregnancy after in vitro ferti lization. Thromboembolism in these circumstances can be related to a condit ion known as the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The presentation of sev ere neck pain in pregnant women, especially in those who have undergone ass isted reproduction procedures, should prompt evaluation by duplex scan to e valuate the jugular veins for thrombosis. Anticoagulation is the treatment of choice.