The Internal jugular veins are asymmetric. Usefulness of ultrasound before catheterization.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate an asymmetry of the internal jugular veins, a finding which will have consequences for catheterization.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
The medical ICU of a university-affiliated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Eighty critically ill consecutive patients.


METHODS
Measurement of the cross-sectional area of the internal jugular veins. Search for an asymmetry, defined as an area at least twice that of the contralateral vein.


RESULTS
An asymmetry was noted in 62.5% of the patients. The dominant vein was the right in only 68 % of these cases. In addition, 23% of the 160 jugular internal veins had an area of 0.4 cm2 or less.


CONCLUSIONS
Using a simple technique, ultrasound identifies the dominant internal jugular vein, thus indicating the safer side before blind catheterization.
Service de Réanimation Médicale, H pital Ambroise-Paré, Boulogne, France.
D
D
Lichtenstein
R
R
Saïfi
R
R
Augarde
S
S
Prin
J M
JM
Schmitt
B
B
Page
I
I
Pipien
F
F
Jardin
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging