title: Duplication of the lower third of the internal jugular vein--case report and surgical implications.
abstract: Duplication of the internal jugular vein is rare with a reported incidence of 0.4%. Most are located in the upper third and are almost always unilateral, duplication of the lower third is less common. In the case presented the vein divided above the omohyoid muscle with one branch passing superficial and the other deep to the muscle. Failure to recognise this anomaly could result in iatrogenic damage to the superficial branch in particular, with brisk and unexpected haemorrhage during neck dissection.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom. Electronic address: ish_1985@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ishpinder
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bachoo
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom. Electronic address: bt.evans@btinternet.com.
authors.forename: Barrie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000098:blood supply
keywords: Anatomy; Duplication; Internal jugular vein; Neck dissection; Omohyoid