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Duplication of internal jugular veins: case report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 August 2009

B Y W Wong ,
D R Strachan  and
E L Loney
B Y W Wong
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Bradford Royal Infirmary, UK
D R Strachan*
Affiliation:
Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Bradford Royal Infirmary, UK
E L Loney
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Bradford Royal Infirmary, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr D R Strachan, ENT Department, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK. E-mail: drstrachan@aol.com
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Abstract

Objectives:

We report a rare case of internal jugular vein duplications, in order to raise the level of awareness of this anomaly amongst ENT surgeons, radiologists and intensive care practitioners. We briefly review and discuss the related literature.

Case report:

Duplicated internal jugular veins are a rare anatomical finding. They may be subclinical, or may present with neck swellings that may be mistaken for laryngocoeles or branchial cysts. We present a case of bilateral internal jugular vein duplication in a young adult. The referral was made on the basis of intermittent neck swelling, dyspnoea and dysphagia. Conservative treatment was instigated, and symptoms improved without surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

Only a handful of cases of duplicated internal jugular veins have been reported. The current case is unique, as no previously reported cases have presented with dyspnoea and dysphagia. We suggest a conservative approach, as there is currently no evidence that duplicated internal jugular veins cause any adverse health outcomes.

Keywords

DuplicateJugular VeinsInternal
Type
Clinical Record
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 3 , March 2010 , pp. 341 - 344
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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