Influence of respiratory maneuvers on jugular venous reflux

The cause of jugular venous reflux during a radionuclide cerebral angiogram is uncertain. The authors describe a patient in whom physiologic respiratory maneuvers had a profound influence on the jugular venous reflux during cerebral radionuclide angiography. The massive jugular reflux was abolished by intravenous injection of a radiotracer bolus during inspiration. When brain blow data are difficult to interpret because of reflux, the authors suggest that radiotracer be administered intravenously during inspiration.