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Internal jugular venous valves in children: high-resolution US findings
1Department of Pediatric Radiology, Radiological Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 153, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Kassa_Darge@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Insights
Valves in the internal jugular veins are common in children, found in 96% of those studied. Ultrasound revealed these venous valves have distinct features and prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric imaging
- Vascular anatomy
- Ultrasound diagnostics
Background:
- The internal jugular veins (IJVs) are crucial for venous return from the head and neck.
- Valvular structures within the IJVs can influence venous flow dynamics.
- Understanding IJV valve prevalence and morphology in children is important for clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of valves in the internal jugular veins of children.
- To describe the sonographic morphology and morphometrics of these valves.
- To establish the typical location and characteristics of IJV valves in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic examination of bilateral internal jugular veins in 120 children (aged 3-20 years).
- Recording of valvular cusp number, length, and origin site.
- Morphological and morphometric analysis of detected valves.
Main Results:
- Valves were detected in 96% of children, unilaterally in 26% and bilaterally in 74%.
- Out of 239 analyzed IJVs, 84% contained valves.
- The mean origin distance of cusps was 9 mm proximal to the brachiocephalic vein confluence.
Conclusions:
- Valves in the distal internal jugular vein are a highly prevalent finding in children.
- Ultrasound demonstrates characteristic morphological and morphometric features of these venous valves.
- This study provides normative data for IJV valves in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine in children the prevalence rate and to describe the sonographic morphology of the valves in the internal jugular veins. One hundred twenty children (60 boys and 60 girls; mean age +/- SD 10 +/- 4 years, age range 3-20 years) were recruited for the study. They underwent sonographic examination of both internal jugular veins. The number of valvular cusps, the length of the cusps and exact site of origin were recorded. In 96% of the children a valve was found in one or both internal jugular veins. Within this group a valve was detected unilaterally in 26% and bilaterally in 74% of the cases. Ultrasound morphological and morphometric analysis was carried out in a total of 239 internal jugular veins; 200 (84%) veins were found to have valves. The origin of the cusps was located at a mean distance of 9 mm (0-26 mm) proximal to the confluence of the subclavian and internal jugular veins into the brachiocephalic vein. A valve in the distal part of the internal jugular vein is a very common finding with characteristic features on US.