J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  2000 Dec;19(4):291-294.

Sonographic Findings of the Internal Jugular Vein Valve in Normal Children

• Youk DJ
• Rho TS
• Lee MJ
• Lee SC

Abstract

PURPOSE
To describe the sonographic findings of the valve in the internal jugular vein in normal children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventy children (5-15 years, average age 10.8 years, 36 boys and 34 girls) were recruited for the study. The number of cusps, length and insertion sites of the valve in the internal jugular vein was examined. Sex differences were investigated, in addition to the symmetry of the valves found in both of the veins.
RESULTS
In all children, valve was found in either one or both internal jugular veins. Sixteen percents of the children had valve on one side only, while eighty four percents showed on both sides. All the one side were found on the right side only. Nine percents of the valves in the internal jugular veins of the children were bicuspid and ninety one percents were unicuspid. The length of the cusps was on the average, 7.59 +/- 2.77 mm. The insertion of the cusps was on the average, 6.75 +/- 2.59 mm(range: 0-12.0 mm), proximal to the confluence of the subclavian and internal jugular veins to form the brachiocephalic vein. There was no significant statistical difference of the number of cusps, length and insertion sites of the valves on both sides and sex distinction.
CONCLUSION
A valve in internal jugular vein is identified in all cases on ultrasonography. There was no significant sta-tistical difference of the number of cusps, length and insertion sites of the valves on both sides and sex distinction.

MeSH Terms

Bicuspid
Brachiocephalic Veins
Child*
Humans
Jugular Veins*
Sex Characteristics
Ultrasonography*
Veins