Internal jugular venous valves in children: high-resolution US findings

The aim of this study was to determine in children the prevalence rate and to describe the sonographic morphology of the valves in the internal jugula r veins. One hundred twenty children (60 boys and 60 girls; mean age +/- SD 10 +/- 4 years, age range 3-20 years) were recruited for the study. They u nderwent sonographic examination of both internal jugular veins. The number of valvular cusps, the length of the cusps and exact site of origin were r ecorded. In 96 % of the children a valve was found in one or both internal jugular veins. Within this group a valve was detected unilaterally in 26 % and bilaterally in 74 % of the cases. Ultrasound morphological and morphome tric analysis was carried out in a total of 239 internal jugular veins; 200 (84 %) veins were found to have valves. The origin of the cusps was locate d at a mean distance of 9 mm (0-26 mm) proximal to the confluence of the su bclavian and internal jugular veins into the brachiocephalic vein. A valve in the distal part of the internal jugular vein is a very common finding wi th characteristic features on US.