High-resolution ultrasound evaluation of internal jugular venous valves

Abstract

Although the presence of valves in the distal portion of the internal jugular veins has been widely described by anatomists and pathologists, their existence remains underscored in the medical literature. We set out to demonstrate their sonographic aspect and to evaluate their morphology, location and prevalence. Seventy-five cadavers were evaluated for the presence and aspect of such valves through neck dissections. Concurrent evaluation of the sonographic character of these structures was performed in another cohort of 75 adults. Valves of the distal portion of the internal jugular veins were found in 93 % of the cadaveric studies. Ultrasonography easily demonstrated the valve leaflets in 87 % of patients; all were observed in the distal portion of the internal jugular (IJ) veins. Sixty percent were bilateral with the majority of unilateral veins found on the right side. High-resolution ultrasonography easily demonstrates valves in the distal portion of the IJ veins which are present in the great majority of persons. Their evaluation may be of use in percutaneous procedures using this venous access.

Internal jugular vein valve incompetence in COPD and primary pulmonary hypertension

“…IJVVs have been directly analyzed in anatomic and echographic studies that reported IJVV aplasia in 3-13% of unselected patients. 2,3,[5][6][7] However, this morphologic approach probably led to an underestimation of IJV reflux, because valve function was not considered. In contrast, venous blood flow analysis using DUS in combination with a provocation test-the VM-permits a real, functional valve assessment.…”

Multiple Sclerosis - A Vascular Etiology?

“…Distal valves in the IJVs were found in 93% of postmortem studies and in 87% of ultrasound images. 5,6 The tributaries of the IJV in the neck have valves. The external jugular vein has two valves, the lower at its entrance into the subclavian vein and the other one several cm proximal.…”

A Sonographic Quantitative Cutoff Value of Cerebral Venous Outflow in Neurologic Diseases: A Blinded Study of 115 Subjects

“…The cerebral venous system has very variable anatomic patterns, [28][29][30][31] to maintain an efficient and normal CVF. Qualitative (ie, jugular valves or flow characteristics) and quantitative (ie, flow rate and velocity) aspects of CVF are demonstrated by using quantitative CVF has been demonstrated to change depending on different positions.…”