Thrombosis of Internal Jugular and Subclavian Veins: A Possible Complication of Cough

Increased use of internal jugular and subclacian vein as a venous access route has recently caused an increase in prevalence of thrombotic complications of these veins. Cancers, hypercoagula- ble conditions, infection, peripheral venous lines, intravenous drug abuse and trauma are other well known risk factors for thrombosis of upper extremity and neck veins. Here, we describe a patient who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and developed combined thrombosis of left internal jugular and sub­clavian veins just following prolonged and vigorous coughing bouts. The patient was treated initially with intravenous contin­ues heparin infusion and subsequently with oral coumadin with no early complications or late sequels.