Jugular phlebectasia: theory of pathogenesis and review of literature

Jugular phlebectasia is an entity that is being increasingly recognised in recent years. The term phlebectasia indicates dilatation of the Vein withou t tortuosity. It has been described in almost all cervical veins. Internal jugular phlebectasia is seen more often on the right side. This paper repor ts two new cases, reviews all cases of internal jugular phlebectasia in chi ldren published in English literature upto 1996 and recommends diagnostic m ethods and treatment policy. This article also discusses a theory of pathog enesis for this condition based on the regional anatomical features, princi ples of vascular physics and pathologic findings. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.