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Flowreversal in the left internal jugular vein due to a prominent brachiocephalic trunk: A case report
Johanna Tennigkeit1, Thomas Teich2, Jonas Lübcke1
1Department of Cardiology, Nephrology and Pneumology, Brandenburg Medical School, Theodor Fontane, University Hospital Brandenburg/Havel, Hochstraße 29 14770, Brandenburg/Havel, Germany.
Abstract:
Reversal of blood flow has only been reported in the left internal jugular vein following interventions such as central venous catheter, dialysis shunt placement, or external compression from a tumor. We describe a rare case of chronic headache and hearing loss due to flow reversal in the left internal jugular vein and compensatory massive dilation of the right internal jugular vein. Flow reversal was caused by a prominent brachiocephalic trunk with subseqent compression of the vena brachiocephalica sinistra. Vascular anomalies and associated venous bypass circulation may be considered as a rare cause of non-specific malaise. Restoration of the physiological direction of blood flow should be discussed on an interdisciplinary basis given the unpredictable haemodynamic consequences.
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