English

Abstract

The jugular veins of the neck are known to exhibit variations in its formation and course. Knowledge of the varying drainage patterns of superficial veins of the head and neck, in particular, jugular veins are not only important for anatomists but also for the surgeons operating at this level and to clinicians in general. Materials and Methods: During routine dissection of a 50 year old Male cadaver in the department of Anatomy, Stanley Medical College, an anomalous venous communication is found between the external jugular vein and the internal jugular vein on the right side of the neck. It is studied and photographed. OBSERVATION: The communicating venous channel arises from the external jugular vein, traverses parallel to the inferior belly of omohyoid and emptied into the internal jugular vein at the level of the middle of the sternocleidomastoid. No abnormalities are observed on the left side. CONCLUSION: The preferred sites for long term central venous access are the external jugular vein, internal jugular vein and subclavian vein. This variation alerts clinicians and surgeons performing neck, vascular or reconstructive surgery about unexpected variations of the external jugular vein in the hope of preventing inadvertent injury. INTRODUCTION: The word jugular means neck. Veins of the neck are superficial or deep to the deep fascia. Superficial veins are tributaries of the anterior, external and posterior jugular veins. The deep veins drain mostly into the internal jugular vein and also into the subclavian vein. External jugular vein formed by the union of posterior division of the retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein, begins at the angle of the mandible and descends obliquely, superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle to drain into the subclavian vein. The internal jugular vein, continuation of the sigmoid sinus, descends in the carotid sheath and unites with the subclavian vein, posterior to the sternal end of the clavicle, to form the brachiocephalic vein. CASE REPORT: During routine dissection in a 50 year old male cadaver, an anomalous venous communication between external jugular vein and internal jugular vein on the right side is observed. The superficial veins of the neck are carefully dissected and the surrounding structures are separated. The anomalous communication is studied in detail, appropriate measurements are taken and the specimen is photographed. (Pic 1,2) The external jugular vein is formed by the posterior division of the retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein. The main trunk of the external jugular vein descends superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and drained into the subclavian vein. Another venous channel is observed 2 cm below the angle of the mandible. This venous channel arises from the external jugular vein, traverses parallel to the inferior belly of omohyoid and emptied into the internal jugular vein at the level of the middle of the sternocleidomastoid. The internal jugular vein empties into the