Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis Presenting with Elevated Intraocular Pressure

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by internal jugular vein thrombosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old male diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy visited our clinic for a regular checkup. On ophthalmic examination, IOP was 30 mm Hg in the right eye and 28 mm Hg in the left eye. Slit lamp examination showed chemosis, conjunctival injection and slight corneal edema in both eyes. Additionally, gonioscopic examination showed open angle. We observed face edema that started 1 month prior and he was diagnosed with internal jugular vein thrombosis on the right side, internal jugular vein and innominate vein stenosis on the left side approximately 2 months ago. The patient underwent percutanoeus transluminal angioplasty for dilating stenosed vessel. Four days after the procedure, his IOP was 15 mm Hg in the right eye and 12 mm Hg in the left eye based on Goldman applanation tonometer and was well maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Internal jugular vein thrombosis on both sides can cause an increase in IOP.