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

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Published on: January 20, 2023

K Darge1, U Brandis, B Zieger

  • 1Department of Pediatric Radiology, Radiological Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 153, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Kassa_Darge@med.uni-heidelberg.de

European Radiology
|May 17, 2001
PubMed

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.

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