An unusual case of an exceptionally large anterior jugular vein in a dissected cadaver – A case report

• Main Authors: Yusoff Azmi Merican, Yusoff Sharizal, Mohamad, Mohd Yusof, Sha'ban, Munirah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: QM Human anatomy; R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/101595/25/101595_An%20unusual%20case%20of%20an%20exceptionally%20large%20anterior.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101595/

Introduction: The anterior jugular vein (AJV) forms part of the superficial venous drainage of the neck. The AJVs are commonly found as paired structures in the anterior midline region which are prone to anatomical variation. AJV inconsistencies contribute to the high percentage of peri-operative bleeding in anterior neck surgery. Method: Here, we report an unusual case involving the right AJV, which was observed while performing a cadaveric neck dissection in a 60-year-old male subject. Observation: In this case, we observed an exceptionally large AJV on the right side of the neck, measuring 16 mm in diameter. The size is three times larger than the left AJV, which is regular in size (5 mm in diameter). Both lie on the anterior aspect of the infrahyoid muscles and drain into the subclavian veins on each side, respectively. The jugular venous arch was absent; thus, there was no communication between the right and left anterior jugular veins. Discussion: Postulated causes for this abnormality include congenital vascular anomaly or possibilities of increased venous pressure due to backward heart failure. Since AJV is a superficial vein, acknowledging the presence of abnormally large AJV is essential in anterior neck surgery. Conclusion: This finding may provide a better insight for attending surgeons to be aware of aberrant AJV to prevent potential bleeding during surgical procedures, including thyroidectomy, tracheostomy, and emergency cricothyroidotomy.