Two cases of aseptic internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis associated with hemodialysis catheter, presenting as sore throat: case report and literature review

Abstract Background Non-cuffed hemodialysis (HD) catheters are often used for emergency or temporary vascular access. Its complications include thrombosis and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI); however, thrombophlebitis can also occur. Thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein (IJV) may present with symptoms, such as fever, lateral neck pain, swelling, regardless presence absence infection; symptoms be minor easily overlooked. Sore throat is a well-known symptom Lemierre's syndrome, but has not been reported in cases without infection. We report two HD catheter-associated IJV patients that were diagnosed sore throat. Case presentation 1 included 58-year-old woman diabetic nephropathy on HD. She was admitted to our hospital due occlusion an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dialysis. A catheter placed right until graft (AVG) fabricated. After admission, CRBSI suspected because she developed fever; bacteremia ruled out gradually developed. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed IJV. Anticoagulation therapy initiated discharged improvement symptoms. 2 83-year-old man end-stage renal disease hypertensive nephrosclerosis. He AVF occlusion. inserted into AVG created. had elevated C-reactive protein levels after placement asymptomatic. When removing catheter, he complained discomfort. Ultrasonography thrombotic obstruction IJV, contrast-enhanced CT Blood culture results negative. anticoagulation started improved. Conclusions The leads diagnosis thrombophlebitis. Pharyngeal develop central venous (CVC) should differentiated from using minimally invasive ultrasound.