Evaluation of the structure and hemodynamics of internal jugular veins by ultrasound in normal population

Abstract

Objective To investigate the structure and hemodyanmics characteristics of internal jugular veins (IJV) in normal population. Methods A total of 126 individuals for stroke screening and IJV ultrasound examination from Oct 2017 to May 2018 in our hospital were enrolled.The the level of IJV influx into innominate vein (J1), the level of superior thyroid vein influx into IJV (J2) and the level of the segment equal to from the bifurcation of common carotid artery to out of skull(J3) of IJV were evaluated by ultrasound. The parameters included the maximum diameters of the three segments during the smooth respiration period, cross section area (CSA), the maximum velocity (Vmax), mean flow volume (FVm) and the maximum pressure gradient (PGmax). The parameters of bilateral IJVs were compared. The effects of gender and age on these parameters were analyzed. Results The structures and hemodynamics parameters of left IJV were lower than those of right IJV (all P 0.05). With aging, the left/right ratio of Vmax and PGmax were decreased, especially at J1 segment (P<0.05). Conclusions Color Doppler flow imaging can evaluate the IJV structures and hemodynamics by assessing the diameter, CSA, Vmax, FVm and PGmax. Right IJV is the dominated outflow side in normal population. With aging, the drainage of left IJV is decreased. Key words: Ultrasonography; Jugular vein; Hemodynamics; Structure; Normal population