Internal jugular venous valves in children: high-resolution US findings

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.