Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
10:02

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates

Published on: February 2, 2015

[The high position of the jugular bulb in children]

Małgorzata Maria Topolska1, Elzbieta Hassmann-Poznańska

  • 1Klinika Otolaryngologii Dzieciecej AM w Białymstoku.

Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish Otolaryngology
|July 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A high jugular bulb, a vascular anomaly, can cause hearing loss and surgical complications. Awareness is key for diagnosis and preventing intraoperative injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Variations in temporal bone vascular structures can complicate diagnosis and surgery.
  • A high jugular bulb is a relatively common anomaly, found in up to 6% of temporal bones.
  • While often asymptomatic, a high jugular bulb can be associated with audiological issues.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of high jugular bulb are presented.
  • One patient experienced profuse bleeding during middle ear surgery due to a retracted tympanomeatal flap.
  • The second patient presented with unilateral conductive hearing loss and a bluish mass behind the tympanic membrane.

Findings:

  • Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the high position of the jugular bulb in both children.
  • Otoscopic, audiological, and radiological examinations provided detailed insights into the anomaly's presentation.
  • Conductive hearing loss, though infrequently reported, was a notable symptom in one case.

Implications:

  • ENT specialists and otologic surgeons must consider high jugular bulb in differential diagnoses for conductive hearing loss.
  • Awareness of this anomaly is crucial to prevent inadvertent jugular bulb penetration during otologic procedures.
  • Early identification and surgical planning can mitigate risks associated with this vascular variation.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Veins of Head and Neck01:19

Veins of Head and Neck

The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The Hyoid Bone01:12

The Hyoid Bone

The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. The hyoid acts as the attachment site for the tongue, the larynx, and the pharynx. It is held in position by a series of small muscles attached from above or below. These muscles help to move the hyoid up/down or forward/back in coordination with movements of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation01:27

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation

Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...