Anatomical variations of internal jugular vein as seen by "Site Rite II" ultrasound machine--an initial experience in Pakistani population.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the anatomical variations of the internal jugular vein (IJV) in Pakistani adult population with the help of Site Rite II ultrasound machine.


METHODS
The right IJV relation to the carotid artery was visualized at four different landmarks (angle of the mandible, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and the supraclavicular area). Size of IJV in comparison to carotid artery was also seen.


RESULTS
In 49 cases the IJV was found in aberrant relation to carotid artery at the angle of the mandible (p value < 0.05), 22 at the thyroid cartilage, 20 at the cricoid cartilage, and 46 at the supraclavicular area (p value < 0.05). In 93% of cases the IJV was found to be larger than the carotid artery.


CONCLUSIONS
Care should be taken while cannulating IJV at the angle of the mandible and supra clavicular area by external landmark guided technique. Ultrasound guided technique should be used in every anticipated difficult case.
Hameedullah
Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Rauf
M A
MA
Khan
F H
FH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D011336:Probability; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography