Internal Jugular Vein Diameter Research Articles

A unique variation of the jugular veins and its clinical significance.

The authors report a rare variation of the anterior jugular and internal jugular veins in a 78-year-old male donor. An enlarged and curved left anterior jugular vein (AJV) was formed as the continuation of the left common facial vein (CFV). The left AJV's diameter was wider than the internal jugular vein (IJV) and measured around 5 mm greater than the IJV's diameter and a channel connected the two veins. The right AJV and CFV continued from the two divisions of the right facial vein. The right AJV's diameter was smaller than the right IJV's diameter. The right external jugular vein was absent. No concurrent pathology supported the abnormal dimension of the left AJV and the findings were indicative of a variant anatomy. These variations have rarely been reported and have important clinical correlations. Failed IJV cannulation may result if the variant neck veins are missed. However, variant veins may serve as collateral channels and patch material in IJV reconstruction, carotid angioplasty, and ventricular-jugular shunts.

A Cadaveric Study On Clinical Correlations of the Internal Jugular Vein and its Variations

Introduction: The largest paired vein is the internal jugular vein (IJV), which rests laterally adjacent to the main the common carotid artery (CCA) within the carotid triangle at the extremities of the neck. It is the main source of blood flow down from the sigmoid sinus of dural venous sinuses. The obstruction of blood flow or distension of the internal jugular vein can lead to increasing intracranial pressure in the brain and face. The increased the right atrial pressure can be a sign of heart failure, cardiovascular problems, and pulmonary embolism. The aims are to study and note down variations in the course and relations of the internal jugular vein and variations of tributaries of right IJV and left IJV diameter and effects on cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: An observational based cadaveric study was conducted on twenty-four unclaimed embalmed cadavers were dissected from March 2021 to August 2023 in Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar, Karnataka, India. Dissection procedure was followed by Cunningham’s manual of practical anatomy volume-3 book. Variations and pattern of bilateral internal jugular veins were observed. Results: External jugular vein access is a highly advantageous location for a heart catheterization. The tributaries of the internal jugular vein form the trunk and overlap on the common carotid artery bifurcation, which leads to adverse effects on baroreceptors and chemoreceptors at the level of divisions of internal and external carotid arteries. The pattern of the right and left internal jugular is quite significant. Conclusion: The study will generate information that would be useful for surgeons, and other clinical physicians and give necessary morphometric data on the internal jugular vein in the South Indian population.

Effect of the Presence of Cardiac Tamponade on Jugular Vein Diameter in Cases of Cardiac Arrest Due to Thoracic Aortic Disease.

Background There have so far been no reports regarding whether or not the jugular veins remain distended even in cases of cardiac arrest, which is the worst form of shock.We focused on the diameter of the jugular vein in neck computed tomography (CT) in cases of thoracic aortic disease resulting in cardiac arrest to determine whether or not cardiac tamponade increased the diameter. Methodology From January 2014 to December 2021, patients were eligible for inclusion when they were transported to our hospital, judged to be in cardiac arrest at the emergency department, and then diagnosed with thoracic aortic disease as the cause of cardiac arrest according to CT. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (tamponade (+)) or absence (tamponade (-)) of cardiac tamponade. Comparisons between the two groups were also conducted after excluding cases in which relief of cardiac tamponade was obtained before CT or that had hemothorax. Results There were 52 cases in the cardiac tamponade (+) group and 16 in the cardiac tamponade (-) group. The diameters of both the right and left internal jugular veins were significantly larger in the cardiac tamponade (+) group than in the cardiac tamponade (-) group. After excluding cases with relief of cardiac tamponade before CT and hemothorax complications, the right and left internal and external jugular vein diameters in the cardiac tamponade (+) group were still significantly greater than those in the cardiac tamponade (-) group. Conclusions The present study showed that the cardiac tamponade induced by thoracic aortic cases tended to display larger internal jugular vein diameters compared to cases without cardiac tamponade, even in patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Additionally, cardiac tamponade consistently presented with larger diameters in the right-sided jugular vein.

Prognostic Value of Jugular Venous Diameters and Compliance in Patients with Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations constitute a significant proportion of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). It has been suggested that measurement of jugular venous diameter and compliance may have prognostic value in patients with heart failure. We hypothesized that these measurements may also be valuable in patients with advanced COPD. Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective, and cross-sectional study conducted in a university hospital between November 2020 and November 2021. In the study, internal jugular vein (IJV) diameters (inspiration, forced expiration, and rest) and jugular venous compliance were measured with ultrasound in patients who presented to the ED with COPD exacerbation. One month later, data about mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and any hospitalization were obtained and evaluated together with a range of laboratory parameters. Results: Data from a total of 93 patients were analyzed. Of these, 17 (18.2%) died, 19 (20.4%) were admitted to the ICU, and 36 (38.7%) were hospitalized at the end of the 1-month period. Consequently, a total of 44 patients (47.3%) were in the good outcome group and 49 patients (52.7%) were in the poor outcome group. In terms of mortality, inspiratory IJV diameter was 5.6 ± 2.9 mm in the survived group (n = 76) and 7.6 ± 3.9 mm in the deceased group (n = 17) (P = 0.031). There was no difference between the venous compliance values and other diameter measurements of the patients. In the analysis performed with the subgroup with high N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide values, it was shown that both resting and inspiration diameter measurements were higher in the group with poor outcomes. Conclusion: There was no difference between the jugular vein compliance values in terms of mortality in patients admitted to the ED with COPD exacerbation. However, these measurements may have prognostic value in patients with COPD exacerbations complicated by heart failure.

Role of Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index in Predicting Post-spinal Hypotension in Pregnant Women Undergoing Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction Post-spinal hypotension (PSH) frequently occurs in women undergoing cesarean section. In recent studies, Ultrasound-guided measurements of the internal jugular vein (IJV) have been reported to predict fluid responsiveness. We planned to evaluate the correlation between the internal jugular vein collapsibility index (IJVCI) and PSH in cesarean section patients. Methods Ninety-one parturients who underwent elective lower segment cesarean section with a singleton pregnancy were recruited. Preoperatively, patients were placed in a supine position with a 15-degree left lateral tilt. Maximum (at the end of expiration) and minimum (at the end of inspiration) IJV diameters (mm) and IJVCI were assessed using M-mode imaging during spontaneous and deep breathing. Spinal anaesthesia was performed at the L3-4 or L4-5 level. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 were recorded from baseline till the delivery of the baby. Results Among 91 patients, 40 (45.5%) patients had at least one episode of hypotension. Demographic variables and baseline vitals were comparable between the hypotensive and normotensive groups (p>0.05). In spontaneous and deep breathing, IJV diameter at the end-expiration (IJVdmax), end-inspiration (IJVdmin), and IJVCI amongst both hypotensive and non-hypotensive pregnant women were statistically similar. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that during spontaneous breathing, using a cut-off point of 29.5%, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 23%, respectively, for predicting PSH; whereas during deep breathing, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 27%, respectively, for predicting the same using a cut-off value of 37.5%. Conclusion We conclude that internal jugular vein parameters such as maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and IJVCI during spontaneous and deep breathing cannot be used as reliable predictors of post-spinal hypotension in pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Internal Jugular Vein for The Prediction of Post-Spinal Hypotension in Orthopedic Surgeries

Background: Relative hypovolemia may predispose to severe or prolonged hypotension after spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. Empirical administration of fluid preload is time consuming, costly and might lead to volume overload, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, predicting post spinal hypotension is of great importance to reserve fluid infusion for susceptible patients. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter has been used to estimate intravascular volume in the ICU. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of sonographic measurements of the internal jugular vein parameters for predicting post spinal hypotension in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. Methodology: The study was conducted on 62 patients scheduled for orthopedic surgeries. Sonographic measurements of IJV diameter and cross-sectional area were recorded at supine and Trendelenburg position before spinal anaesthesia. Blood pressure was monitored for 15 minutes for all patients and hypotension was documented. Results: Twenty-eight patients (45.2%) developed hypotension. The rate of increase in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the IJV with the change in patient’s posture was significantly higher in hypotensive patients. According to ROC curves analysis, a rate of increase of 12.36% in IJV diameter, and a rate of increase of 25.55% in IJV cross sectional area showed moderate specificity and sensitivity in the prediction of spinal hypotension. Conclusion: Preoperative sonographic measurements of the internal jugular vein diameter and crosssectional area at supine and Trendelenburg position can predict the occurrence of post-spinal hypotension.

Diagnostic Value of the Variations in Internal Jugular Vein Diameter and Blood Flow Rate in Patients with Intestinal Obstruction

Diagnostic Value of the Variations in Internal Jugular Vein Diameter and Blood Flow Rate in Patients with Intestinal Obstruction

Can ultrasonographic measurement of respiratory variability in the diameter of the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein predict fluid responsiveness in parturients during cesarean delivery? A prospective cohort study

BackgroundUltrasonic measurements of the respiratory variability in the diameter of internal jugular vein (IJV-CI) and subclavian vein (SCV-CI) have recently been reported to be useful in predicting fluid responses in non-obstetric patients with spontaneous respiration. This study evaluated whether IJV-CI and SCV-CI could reliably predict fluid responsiveness in parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery. ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine whether two indicators measured by ultrasound are good predictors of fluid responsiveness of parturients with spontaneous respiration in elective cesarean delivery. DesignA prospective cohort study. SettingA single-center tertiary specialty hospital in China. PatientsA total of 86 patients scheduled for elective cesarean section were included and 6 were excluded for various reasons. InterventionsBased on the results of the fluid challenge, the included parturients were divided into two groups, with those who responded to fluid challenge defined as the positive group and those who did not respond defined as the negative group. Main outcome measuresThe primary endpoint was to determine the predictive value of IJV-CI and SCV-CI for fluid responsiveness (≥15% increases in SVI after fluid challenge) in spontaneous respiration patients. ResultsForty-three (53.8%) parturients were fluid responders. IJV-CI and SCV-CI proved to be the independent predictors for fluid responsiveness by multivariate logistic regression. The area under the ROC curve for IJV-CI and SCV-CI were 0.881 (95% CI, 0.808–0.953, p < 0.0005) and 0.757 (95% CI, 0.648–0.865, p < 0.0008), respectively. Their optimal cut-off values for IJV-CI and SCV-CI were 20.7% (sensitivity of 60%; specificity of 79%) and 32.0% (sensitivity of 34%; specificity of 96%), respectively. The grey zone for IJV-CI and SCV-CI for fluid responsiveness were 20.4–32.4% and 30.4–44.6% and included 25% and 23% of the patients, respectively. ConclusionUltrasonic-derived IJV-CI is better than SCV-CI in predicting fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing parturients. Both IJV-CI and SCV-CI are the accurate and readily accessible indices of fluid responsiveness in parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Trial registrationchictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900028450).

Surgical Fixation of Jugular Bulb Abnormalities Associated With Phelebectasia in Patients With Vascular Tinnitus.

Internal jugular phlebectasia is a rare entity in which there is a fusiform dilatation of the internal jugular vein (IJV), usually presenting as a neck mass or tinnitus. The jugular bulb (JB) is an enlarged confluence connecting the sigmoid sinus and the IJV. It has been suggested that JB abnormality might also cause vertigo and pulsatile tinnitus. This prospective interventional study involved 15 patients with pulsatile tinnitus associated with internal jugular phlebectasia. Four patients presented with recurrent vertigo attacks. IJV diameter at rest ranged from 11 to 18 mm. Eight patients have had inner ear bone dehiscence, and 40% had high JB. All cases were treated by surgical fixation using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft extending from the costoclavicular joint to the sigmoid sinus under fluoroscopic guidance. Tinnitus disappeared immediately postoperatively in all cases, followed by the disappearance of vertigo on the fourth day. Two cases reported thrombosis of the graft in the sixth and seventh months but maintained symptomatic improvement. Recurrence was reported in 2 cases while the grafts were patent. Surgical fixation by replacing the jugular vein and bulb with a synthetic graft may offer an excellent surgical option for relieving vascular tinnitus, especially in these young patients in whom endovascular therapy may not be a durable treatment.

Correlation of internal jugular vein, common carotid artery, femoral artery and femoral vein diameters with central venous pressure.

This study aimed to detect the correlation of central venous pressure (CVP) with the internal jugular vein (IJV), common carotid artery (CCA), femoral vein (FV), and femoral artery (FA) diameters measured with ultrasound (USG) in patients under mechanical ventilation to evaluate whether they are suitable to be used as an alternative low-cost and noninvasive method for the detection of CVP. A total of 40 patients aged from 18 to 90 who had been receiving therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in the study. Central venous catheter was placed into the patients through right IJV or subclavian vein in their first 24-hour of hospitalization and the right atrium pressure (RAP) was measured from the catheter, the tip of which was confirmed to reach right atrium. In the same session, CCA, IJV, FA, and FV diameters were measured with USG and their correlations with CVP were calculated. In addition, correlations of the measured venous and artery diameters between each other were detected as well. There was a significantly high correlation between CVP and CCA diameter (R = 0.603, P < .000). There was a significantly low correlation between CVP and IJV diameter (R = 0.352, P = .026), a significantly low correlation between FA and FV diameters (R = 0.317, P = .047), a significantly low correlation between FA and CCA diameters (R = 0.330, P = .038), and a significantly low correlation between IJV and CCA diameters (R = 0.364, P = .020). CVP and CCA diameters exhibited a high correlation. For detection of CVP, the ultrasonographic CCA diameter measurement can be used as an alternative noninvasive method which is easy to use and minimally affected by measurement errors of individuals and which has low learning curve compared with the other measurement methods.

Evaluation of the Effect of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block on Intracranial Pressure Using Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Internal Jugular vein Collapsibility Index.

To determine the effect of single-shot interscalene brachial plexus (ISBP) block on intracranial pressure (ICP) by evaluating the extravascular volume effect of the medicine on the internal jugular vein (IJV). Interventional study. Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey, from January to June 2022. Thirty-four patients were included in this prospective clinical study. All patients had single-shot ISBP block with 25 ml of local anaesthetic. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), maximum (Dmax) and minimum (Dmin) diameters of IJV and IJV collapsibility index (IJV-CI) were recorded before the block (basal), 20 minutes, and 60 minutes after the block. Twenty-nine patients had higher ONSD values at 60th minute compared to their basal values. There were negative correlations between the changes of ONSD and IJVCI (r=0.616, p<0.001) and ONSD and Dmax (r=0.581, p<0.001) in time period between basal and 20th minute. There were negative correlations between the changes of ONSD and IJVCI (r=0.518, p=0.002), ONSD and Dmax (r=0.664, p<0.001) in time period between basal and 60th minute. Single-shot ISBP block with 25 ml of local anaesthetic may be a factor that increases ICP. Repeated intraoperative ONSD measurements are recommended in patients operated with ISBP block. Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block, Intracranial pressure, Optic nerve sheath diameter, Internal jugular vein collapsibility index.

Internal jugular vein distensibility: Rapid and reliable bedside assessment tool to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated septic patients

Background and Aims: This study aims to evaluate whether respiratory changes in internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter predicts fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis. Methods: In this prospective observational analytic study, mechanically ventilated patients in septic shock received 7ml/kg of Normal Saline (NS) over 15 minutes. Patients were then categorized into two groups retrospectively; fluid responders (R), if there was an increment in Cardiac Index (CI) by more than or equal to 15% following fluid administration, and non-responders (NR) if the increase in CI was less than 15%. The primary outcome was respiratory changes in IJV diameter before and after fluid administration. Ultrasonographic assessment of IJV distensibility was carried out in all mechanically ventilated septic patients before and after fluid administration. Results: In our study, 74 mechanically ventilated septic patients were enrolled. Among them, 29 (39.2%) patients were fluid responders whereas 45 (60.8%) patients were non-responders. Responders demonstrated higher IJV distensibility before volume expansion than non-responders (33.33% vs 16.9%; P &lt;0.001). Significant reduction in this difference was observed following volume challenge in responders (33.33% to 20.18%). An IJV distensibility of &gt;28.2% before fluid administration predicted the change in CI ≥15% with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity with area under curve of 0.985 (CI 0.963 to 1.006). Conclusion: Ultrasound evaluation of respiratory changes in IJV distensibility effectively predicts fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated septic patients.

Differentiation between anatomical slenderness and acquired stenosis of the internal jugular veins.

Background and PurposesDifferentiating between acquired stenosis (pathologic) and anatomical slenderness (physiologic) of internal jugular vein (IJV) remain ambiguous. Herein, we aimed to compare the similarities and differences between the two entities.MethodsPatients who underwent head and neck computer tomography (CT) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled in this case‐control study from January 2016 through October 2021.Results1487 eligible patients entered final analysis totally. 803 patients had bilateral IJVs imaging without IJV stenosis‐related symptoms and presented in three ways: right IJV slenderness (10.5%, n = 85), left IJV slenderness (48.4%, n = 388), and symmetric IJVs (41.1%, n = 330). In patients with asymmetric IJVs, their bilateral jugular foramina were also asymmetric. All involved asymmetric IJVs presented as slenderness without surrounding abnormal collaterals and credible cloudy‐like white matter hyper‐intensity (WMH). Their cerebral arterial perfusion statuses on brain MR‐PWI maps were normal.In contrast, the major patients with IJV stenosis presented with signs and symptoms such as headaches, head noise, etc. In CE‐MRV maps, local stenosis of the IJV was surrounded by abnormal venous collaterals in contrast to the lack of abnormal venous collaterals for patients with IJV slenderness. And in CTV maps, the caliber of jugular foramina was mismatched with the transverse diameter of IJV. Moreover, in MRI maps of most of these patients, a cloudy‐like WMHs were distributed symmetrically in bilateral periventricular and/or centrum semi vales. These patients also had symmetrical cerebral arterial hypo‐perfusion. Seven patients underwent stenting of the IJV stenosis correction, their WMHs attenuated or disappeared subsequently.ConclusionsImaging features in addition to clinical symptoms can be used to differentiate between physiologic IJV slenderness and pathologic IJV stenosis. Notable imagine‐defining features for IJV stenosis include local stenosis surrounded by abnormal venous collaterals, cloudy‐like WMHs, and mismatch between the transverse diameter of IJV and the caliber of the jugular foramina.

Complications of Totally Implantable Central Venous Catheters (Ports) Inserted via the Internal Jugular Vein Under Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy Guidance in Adult Oncology Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

IntroductionIn this retrospective study, the safety and complication rates of port implantations via the internal jugular vein under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance in adult oncology patients were analyzed.Material and methodsEight hundred seven ports implanted in 799 adult oncology patients at a tertiary Oncology-Anticancer Hospital during a 36-month period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data acquisition was obtained until December 31, 2020. All procedures were performed by two specialized interventional radiologists under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance. The vein access was via the internal jugular vein. Catheter days (the total number of days of maintenance of the port by all of the patients until removal, death, or December 31, 2020), technical success rates, and complication rates were evaluated based on the interventional radiological reports and patient medical records. Multivariate analysis regarding patients such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), marital status, educational level, cancer type, side of insertion, diameter of internal jugular vein, diabetes, anticoagulants/antiplatelets, purpose of implantation, and catheter material as to the risk of complications was conducted.ResultsA total of 369,329 catheter maintenance days were observed (457.7±345.0). The technical success rate was 99.9%, and a total of 85 (10.5%) complications occurred, of which 24 (28.2%) occurred early (<30 days) and the remaining 61 (71.8%) were late (>30 days) complications. Specifically, 28 (3.5%) were catheter-related thrombosis (CRT), 27 (3.4%) related to infection, 17 (2.1%) were mechanical complications (16 fibrin sheath formation and one catheter occlusion), six (0.7%) related to catheter migration, four (0.5%) related to incision healing problems, and the remaining three (0.4%) related to ischemic skin necrosis. Forty-seven (5.8%) ports were removed due to complications. On multivariate analysis, cancer type was found as a risk factor for the development of a complication. Additionally, there was an indication that hematologic malignancy is related to infection.ConclusionPlacement of ports via the internal jugular vein under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance is a safe procedure, with low rates of early and late complications.

Temporal Changes in Electrolytes, Acid-Base, QTc Duration, and Point-of-Care Ultrasound during Inpatient Hemodialysis Sessions.

Of the more than 550,000 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) in the United States, each has an average of 1.6 admissions annually (>880,000 inpatient HD sessions). Little is known about the temporal changes in laboratory values, ECGs, and intravascular and extravascular volume during inpatient HD sessions. In this prospective cohort study of hospitalized HD patients, we assessed intradialytic laboratory values (metabolic panels, blood gases, ionized calcium levels), ECGs, and sonographic measures of volume status. Among 30 participants undergoing HD (mean age 62 years; 53% men, 43% Black) laboratory values had the largest changes in the first hour of HD. There was no significant change in ionized calcium levels pre- to post-HD (change: -0.01±0.07, P=0.24); 12 of 30 and 17 of 30 patients had levels below the lower reference limit at the beginning and end of HD, respectively. The mean pH increased pre- to post-HD (change: 0.06±0.04, P<0.001); 21 of 30 had a pH above the upper reference limit post-HD. There was a trend toward longer median QTc duration from pre- to post-HD (change: 7.5 msec [-5 msec, 19 msec], P=0.07). The sum of B lines on lung ultrasound decreased from pre- to post-HD (median decrease: 3 [1, 7], P<0.01). The collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava increased pre- to post-HD (median increase: 4.8% [1.5%, 13.4%], P=0.01), whereas internal jugular vein diameter did not change (P=0.24). Among hospitalized patients undergoing HD, we found dynamic changes in laboratory values, QTc duration, and volume status. Further research is required to assess whether HD prescriptions can be tailored to alter these variations to potentially improve patient outcomes.

Correlation Between Ultrasound-Measured Diameter and Blood Flow Velocity of the Internal Jugular Veins with the Preoperative Blood Volume in Elderly Patients

The study aimed to explore the correlation of the diameter and blood flow velocity of the internal jugular vein with the preoperative blood volume in elderly patients and to providence for rapid evaluation of preoperative blood volume with ultrasound in elderly patients. Thirty patients over 65 years old were recruited in the study. Patient’s central venous pressure (CVP) was recorded before anesthesia. The maximum diameter (Dmax) and the minimum diameter (Dmin) of the left internal jugular vein were measured by M type ultrasound and the respiratory variation index (RVI), defined as (Dmax − Dmin) / Dmax × 100%, was calculated. The maximum blood flow velocity (BVmax) and the minimum blood flow velocity (BVmin) were measured by Doppler ultrasound, and the blood flow variation index (BVI), defined as (BVmax − BVmin) / BVmax × 100%, was calculated. Then, each of the patients was given with 5 ml/kg crystalloid solution, and the relevant data were measured again and compared to that before infusion. The correlation between each measurement index and CVP, and their efficiency in predicting CVP > 6 mmHg were statistically evaluated. No matter before or after infusion, Dmax, Dmin, BVmax, and BVmin were positively correlated with CVP (Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)); and RVI was negatively correlated with CVP (Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)); however, BVI is negatively correlated with the CVP with no statistically significant difference. Through the analysis of ROC curve, Dmax, Dmin, RVI, BVmax, and BVmin could be used to predict the CVP > 6 mmHg in these patients, and the best index was BVmax; BVI diagnosis was not effective. Ultrasonic measurements of internal jugular vein diameter, respiratory variability, and blood flow velocity were correlated with preoperative CVP in elderly patients, indicating that these indexes could potentially be used to evaluate the preoperative blood volume in elderly patients.

Bedside Ultrasound of Internal Jugular Vein for Right Ventricular Function Assessment

<h3>Purpose</h3> Assessing right ventricular (RV) function is important in critically ill heart failure patients and candidacy for mechanical circulatory support options. In addition, diastolic heart failure and fluid overload are the earliest manifestations of rejection and coronary vasculopathy in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. Echocardiographic measurements can be difficult to obtain due to body habitus and poor ultrasound windows. Using ultrasound (POCUS) to assess dynamic changes in internal jugular vein (IJV) dimension could be a quick and reproducible method for bedside RV function assessment. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients scheduled to undergo right heart catheterization (RHC) as their standard of care were prospectively enrolled. While supine, the IJV was imaged at the apex of the sternocleidomastoid. Using M-mode on a portable ultrasound machine, maximum (Dmax) and minimum (Dmin) anteroposterior diameters were measured during normal breathing. Respiratory variation in diameter (RVD) was then calculated using the following equation [(Dmax - Dmin)/Dmax] and expressed as a percentage. RHC was then performed within one hour. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 92 heart failure patients were enrolled with mean age 58 and mean BMI 30.3. IJV dimensions could be assessed in all patients irrespective of BMI. Poor right ventricular (RV) function (right ventricular stroke work index -RVSWI) of <5 g/m/beat/m² was associated with low RVD (16% vs 34%, p = 0.001). An IJV RVD of < 15% had 82% specificity for RVSWI < 5 (ROC AUC 0.774). When using pulmonary artery pulsatility pressure (PAPi), an RVD of <15% had 79% specificity for a PAPi ≤ 2. When combined with a Dmin of 1cm, the specificity increased to 87% (Odds ratio 3.75, p=0.016). 21 of these assessments were in HTx patients, showing similar correlation. A Dmax >1.1cm or RVD <20% individually had specificity of 80% for RAP >=10 mmHg (both with ROC AUC > 0.800). Again, RVSWI <5 was associated with low RVD (19% vs 41%, p = 0.02). In the 14 biopsies performed in HTx patients, 4 were noted with >= 2R acute cellular rejection and all 4 of these had an RAP >=8mmHg, Dmax >1cm and RVD <20% (p<0.01). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Less dynamic IJV diameter variation on POCUS correlates with poor RV function and may be an early indicator of rejection in HTx patients. This assessment can be easily done at bedside regardless of body habitus, with great specificity and can be helpful in the diagnostic management of these patients.

Effect of transverse sinus variation on the clinical outcomes of atherosclerotic anterior circulation infarction.

BackgroundHypoplasia of the transverse sinus (TS) is a common anatomical variation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TS variation (i.e., TS hypoplasia) and no variation (i.e., TS symmetry) and their subgroups on the clinical outcomes of patients with atherosclerotic anterior circulation cerebral infarction (CI).MethodsA total of 75 patients were included in the study and were divided into the no TS variation group and the TS variation group. The TS variation group was further divided into the following subgroups: the TS variation with ipsilateral CI group and the TS variation with contralateral CI group. We retrospectively analyzed the correlations of the endpoint events of patients with large atherosclerotic anterior circulation infarction and TS no variant, and subgroups of TS variants.ResultsWe found that the diameter of the ipsilateral IJV in patients with TS variants were significantly smaller than those without TS variants, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in primary endpoint events, secondary endpoint events, and responsible vessel stenosis were not statistically significant when comparing the TS variant and no TS variant groups, and the TS variant subgroup (P>0.05). We found statistically significant differences in the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores after 90 days of CI between the total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) TS variant group, the ipsilateral CI TS variant group, and the partial anterior circulation infarct (PACI) TS hypoplasia group and the ipsilateral CI TS variant group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the TS variant group with TACI, the TS variant group with ipsilateral CI, and the TS no variant group and the TS variant with contralateral CI group when comparing patients’ mRS scores after 90 days of CI.ConclusionsThe diameter of the internal jugular vein (IJV) ipsilateral to the TS variant was significantly smaller than that of the TS no variant. Patients with TACI in the TS variant group and one of its subgroups (the TS variant with ipsilateral CI group) had more severe clinical symptoms and a worse prognosis than patients in the same group with PACI.

Ultrasound imaging and central venous pressure in spontaneously breathing patients: a comparison of ultrasound-based measures of internal jugular vein and inferior vena cava.

Ultrasound evaluation of inferior vena cava and internal jugular vein dia-meters predicts the intravascular volume status in critical patients. The aim of the present study was to determine which ultrasound-derived index is most strongly associated with central venous pressure (CVP). Furthermore, we determined the utility of selected variables in predicting low volume status (CVP < 8 mmHg). All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram, vascular ultrasound examination, invasive central venous pressure, and intra-abdominal pressure determination. The following indexes were calculated: inferior vena cava diameter, internal jugular vein maximum diameter, collapsibility index, and internal jugular vein ratio. 41 spontaneously breathing patients were recruited. Central venous pressure significantly correlated with inferior vena cava diameter ( r = 0.35, P = 0.02), internal jugular vein ratio ( r = 0.35, P = 0.03), and internal jugular vein maximum diameter ( r = 0.58, P < 0.001). The inferior vena cava collapsibility index did not show any association. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves to discriminate a low central venous pressure (< 8 mmHg) were the following: internal jugular vein diameter 0.80 (95% CI: 0.63-0.90); inferior vena cava diameter 0.66 (95% CI: 0.49-0.80); and internal jugular vein ratio 0.68 (95% CI: 0.51-0.82). The internal jugular vein diameter, the internal jugular vein ratio, and the inferior vena cava diameter showed a significant correlation with central venous pressure. In particular, the internal jugular vein diameter showed good accuracy in predicting a low central venous pressure.

Iatrogenic catheterisation of subclavian artery while cannulating internal jugular vein.

Sir, Placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) carries a complication rate of 17.9%.[1] Use of ultrasound guidance has been advocated as standard of care to reduce complications and achieve higher success rate.[234] However, ultrasound-guided cannulation does not altogether negate accidental arterial puncture as has been found in our patient. A 3-year-old female child weighing 16.9 kg and having a midline brain stem tumour with hydrocephalus was posted for elective tumour excision. Following uneventful tracheal intubation and maintenance of anaesthesia with 50% oxygen in air, 1.5% sevoflurane and remifentanil (0.25 μg/kg/min) infusion, it was decided to place an arterial line and a CVC. Positive end expiratory pressure of 4-cmH2O was now momentarily applied, which resulted in a well-dilated right internal jugular vein (IJV) on imaging using linear probe of Mindray ultrasound machine (Shenzhen Mindray Bio-medical Electronics co. Ltd., Zhenzhen 518057, P.R. China). Right IJV was punctured at first attempt by a 4th-year anaesthesia resident with the needle directed at a 45° angulation. After free aspiration of blood, a guide wire was passed through the needle uneventfully. Following dilatation of the cannulation site, a 5.5 Fr paediatric multi-lumen CVC with blue flex tip (Arrow International, Inc, 2400 Bernville Road, PA, USA) was passed. All three ports were checked for free aspiration of blood. The CVC was fixed at 8 cm mark and sterile transparent dressing was applied. At this stage, an intravenous line containing 5% dextrose in 0.45% normal saline was attached to the distal 20-gauge catheter port. Contrary to expectation, there was no flow of the fluid although blood could be freely aspirated from this port. However, a minimal spontaneous backflow of blood was noted in the infusion line. Despite changing to a different port, the infusion was not dripping. At this stage, doubt was raised that the line could be in an artery, and the transducer of the arterial line was connected to the CVC and an arterial waveform was noted. Before removing the catheter, ultrasound imaging was done to confirm the position of the catheter in the artery. As expected, the puncture site and IJV were significantly to the right of the carotid artery. Further scanning and change of probe angle revealed a pulsating vessel underneath the jugular vein, which could be the subclavian artery (SA). Surprisingly, the catheter was seen to pass through the internal jugular lumen and then to lie in the SA [Figure 1]. The CVC was now removed and compression for 5 min was applied. A fresh CVC was placed in the same IJV uneventfully.Figure 1: Internal jugular vein and the subclavian artery with evidence of central venous catheter passing through them. (IJV-Internal jugular vein, SCA-Subclavian artery, CVC-Central venous catheter)We postulate a sequence of events that led to inadvertent SA puncture in our patient. The SA was about 2.5 mm deeper to the IJV as revealed by ultrasound [Figure 1]. The indentation of the wall of IJV while puncturing the vein or displacement of needle tip later after the probe was removed could be the reason for the needle tip entering the SA. We suggest five key points to avoid this mistake while cannulating IJV in paediatric patients where the SA is only a few mm away. First, needle should be kept angulated in relation to skin, close to 30° instead of 45° during puncture as this tangential approach results in less application of posterior forces that tend to collapse the vein wall. Also, angulation helps where the IJV diameter is less than the longitudinal length of bevel of needle.[5] Second, double wall puncture should be kept in mind where the vein diameter is small.[5] Third, it is essential that the tip of the needle be constantly identified with ultrasound as it approaches the vein and puncture is made.[6] Fourth, the path of guide wire should be confirmed by ultrasound prior to dilatation of the vessel. Lastly, a higher neck approach may be adopted in children so as to increase the distance between IJV and the SA, thereby reducing the possibility of its inadvertent puncture. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.