Features of the jugular veins: norm and pathology. Causes and expansion of the jugular vein in the neck and treatment methods Internal jugular vein diagram

The expansion of the jugular vein in the neck, the reasons for its manifestation, is a current topic for people who suffer from this formation. It is the jugular vein that regulates the blood flow of the cerebral cortex. The expansion of this vein makes it difficult for the entire circulatory system. In this case, venous blood accumulates and stretches the vessel, which can be a threat to the body.

Changes in the jugular vein require careful diagnosis and correction of the condition. Without treatment, the disease will spread to other valves.

Main causes and symptoms

Phlebectasia is medical name, which denotes the expansion of the jugular vein. This condition occurs as a result of disturbances in the functioning of valves and blood vessels. There are a number of reasons why blood cannot circulate normally through the veins, accumulates and stretches the vessel.

The valve of the internal jugular vein pumps the most more blood, it is considered the basis of this system. The jugular vein circulates blood from the cervical cortex throughout the body. Phlebectasia has no age limit; it can appear at absolutely any age.

This pathology has its own causes:

  • various injuries of the cerebral cortex, cervical spine;
  • blows, fractures spinal regions, collarbones and ribs;
  • diseases cardiovascular system;
  • problems with normal blood circulation;
  • malignant neoplasms;
  • diseases of the endocrine system;
  • back muscle defects.

Of course, to identify the disease by early stages extremely difficult. The disease progresses certain time, but practically does not manifest itself at all.

If the pathogen does not have much pressure, then phlebectasia can develop for years without any significant traces.

Experts identify the following symptoms that you should pay attention to:

  1. The first visual sign can be considered enlargement and swelling of the jugular vein. This education may not cause any pain symptoms to the patient and no particular discomfort.
  2. During the second stage there are nagging pain and pressure inside the vein with various movements and turns of the head.
  3. Third stage - may be accompanied by hoarseness, severe pain, breathing problems. Such manifestations indicate advanced disease and require immediate treatment.

Disturbances in the functioning of the circulatory system are serious manifestations of problems in the body. Such conditions require correction by a doctor and careful diagnosis.

Features of the disease and treatment methods

Manipulations for full diagnostics carried out on the right internal jugular vein. There is a risk of damage on the left side lymphatic system, which is why it is much safer to carry out all manipulations on the right. On the left, the circulatory system has its own specifics; interventions are carried out on this side if diseases are associated with cardiac activity.

The concept of dilatation also means expansion, only this formulation means heart disease. Any problems associated with the circulatory system are reflected in the normal functioning of a person. Therefore, it is important to get timely consultation with a specialist.

The internal jugular vein or IJV is the widest vessel, changes in which can be seen even with the naked eye. Its increase indicates violations normal performance the entire circulatory system.

After identifying this pathology, you should choose the most appropriate treatment:

  1. Therapy medicines, which will improve blood flow and take care of the general condition of blood vessels.
  2. A surgical intervention that is performed in case of last stages diseases, is the only way to get rid of the problem.

Phlebectasia – requires constant attention to any changes. At this time, the veins must be monitored especially carefully, because any negative dynamics is an important signal for action.

In some cases, surgery is necessary procedure to normalize the patient's condition.

Prevention

Phlebectasia, like any other disease, requires preventive measures that can always prevent any disease. Exactly healthy image life can change the course of any condition in the body.

  • you should be careful about physical activity, especially on the neck;
  • treatment of causes that can cause varicose veins;
  • timely visit to the doctor;
  • balanced diet;
  • giving up bad habits;
  • moderate physical activity.

As a precaution, it is important to monitor your health for those people who are most prone to dilatation of the jugular vein. Such pathologies can be hereditary. Diseases of the circulatory system are difficult to predict, but it is quite possible to get rid of them in the first stages of their development. Visiting a doctor and preventive measures will be able to take care of their health.

There are a number of gymnastic exercises that can correct tension neck muscles, improve blood circulation and take care of vascular health. During a routine examination, a specialist may also prescribe a complex of vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on the condition of the blood vessels and the entire system. Strengthens their walls, increases elasticity, prolongs the performance of the entire system.

This pathology is not a death sentence, but a reason to worry about your health. This disease is entirely preventable, which is why it is so important to visit a doctor and use preventive measures.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are in first place among body pathologies among the entire population globe. Not the least of these pathologies is the expansion of the jugular vein in the neck. Having determined the cause of the disease, it is possible to correct its development and avoid unpleasant symptoms and the consequences that may occur if left untreated. In order to correctly determine the cause of the disease, it is necessary not only to consult a doctor, but also to correctly determine the condition and possible consequences.

Features of the disease

Dilation of the jugular vein is called phlebectasia. Such conditions can arise as a result of malfunction of the valves located throughout the vein. For many reasons the valves can no longer regulate the current venous blood, it accumulates in large quantities in the vessel, stretching its walls and disabling more and more valves.

Another important factor is the discharge of blood from the veins located deep under the muscles into the superficial veins. This non-physiological redistribution of blood, due to a number of reasons, causes dysfunction in the entire venous network, also leading to vasodilation.

The jugular vein consists of several branches - a pair of internal vessels, external and anterior. These vessels perform important function in the functioning of the body - they carry blood away from the brain and cervical spine. It is its close location to the brain that makes us take seriously any pathological manifestations of the jugular vein.

Causes

It should be noted that phlebectasia does not depend on the patient’s age; it is equally can occur in both adults and children.

Causes of dilatation of the jugular vein:

  • neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, head and cervical contusions, concussions;
  • spinal and back injuries, rib fractures leading to general venous stagnation;
  • prolonged forced, uncomfortable posture, sedentary work without interruption;
  • vascular diseases, heart failure, heart defects, coronary and hypertension;
  • benign and malignant tumors internal organs, blood cancer;
  • diseases of the spine and back muscles, in which the patient takes a forced position to alleviate the condition, for example, osteochondrosis;
  • endocrine diseases.

Often, with the development of dilatation of the jugular vein, there are several factors that cause the disease.

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Carrying out diagnostics

To identify and make a final diagnosis, a specialist will need the results of several laboratory and instrumental studies:

  • duplex scanning of cervical vessels;
  • duplex transcranial scanning;
  • multispiral computed tomography(MS CT) of the cervical and thoracic regions;
  • magnetic resonance imaging using contrast agents;
  • computed tomography of the skull;
  • ultrasound examination of the neck and chest;
  • phlebography;
  • diagnostic puncture;
  • general blood test.

These are the main diagnostic methods that are used to make a final diagnosis. At the same time, the doctor can prescribe only some of them to obtain a complete information picture of the disease.

However, to identify the exact causes of the disease, it may be necessary to consult specialists who will help determine the main factor in the occurrence of jugular vein phlebectasis. Such specialists include a neurologist, endocrinologist, and oncologist.

Symptoms of the disease

Like any other varicose veins veins, phlebectasia of the jugular vein first occurs without any obvious symptoms. If the exposure factor is insignificant, then the disease can develop for years without leaving any traces on the body.

The first signs are a visual enlargement of the vessel in the neck, with the upper vessels forming a kind of blue sac, and the lower ones - a clear swelling resembling a spindle in shape. In this case, there is no obvious discomfort for the patient, there is no pain or other subjective signs of the disease.

In the future, a feeling of pressure may develop at the site of the expansion of the jugular vein, especially when bending, screaming or sudden movements of the head.

IN advanced cases appear painful sensations in the neck, the voice becomes hoarse, and difficulty breathing may occur.

The last two cases require immediate treatment, since the development of such symptoms negatively affects the general condition of the body.

Treatment methods

After making a diagnosis and recognizing that the jugular vein is dilated, it is time to decide on treatment procedures.

Treatment primarily depends on the degree of the disease, how much the vessel is dilated and its effect on surrounding tissues and general condition body. If there is no reason to fear for the normal physiological state of the patient, then active treatment do not undertake. The work of specialists comes down to monitoring the condition of the vein, the dynamics of its expansion and the impact on surrounding organs and tissues.

Complications and their prevention

Complications from such conditions are rare. Basically, this is the threat of rupture of the affected and weakened section of the vein and subsequent profuse bleeding. This condition is fatal in most cases.

To prevent this scenario, jugular vein enlargement should be treated whenever possible. If the doctor suggests or even insists on urgent surgical intervention, it should be carried out.

Preventive measures

The main preventive measures can be called:

The main emphasis should be on people who are predisposed to dilation of the jugular vein due to hereditary characteristics.

It must be remembered that vein diseases are difficult to prevent, but you can easily stop and get rid of them by initial stages development. That's why regular checkups with your doctor will help you avoid problems in the future.

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Have all your attempts to cure varicose veins been unsuccessful?

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The jugular vein (from the Latin vena jugularis) is a structure of vessels that facilitate the outflow of blood from the cervical calf and head into the subclavian vein.

Jugular veins are very important vascular trunks that prevent stagnation of blood in the brain cavity, leading to serious pathological conditions.

The veins of the head and neck, which help blood move away from the brain, are divided into three types of jugular veins - internal, external and anterior.

Where is the jugular vein located?

Since the jugular vein includes three separate vessels, the anatomy of their location is separate.

Internal jugular vein (IJV)

The internal jugular vein, or IJV (from Latin vena interna) has the widest trunk of the vessel. This vessel reaches twenty millimeters in width and has thin walls. This allows it to easily expand when pressure is applied and contract when blood is pushed out.

The IJV contains in its lumen a number of valves that carry out the outflow required quantity blood.

This jugular vein is characterized by its own construction scheme. IJV starts in the region jugular foramen, which is localized at the base of the skull. After the internal vein leaves the hole, its lumen expands and the superior bulb is formed.

Now this vein is contained by the superficial tissues of the cervical spine, the IJV is laid from the posterior outer part from the place where the human carotid artery passes, then it is slightly shifted to the anterior part, with the location already in front carotid artery.

The arterial vessel moves through a wide container, along with vagus nerve and the carotid artery. It is here that a powerful bundle of arteries is created, consisting of the carotid artery and the internal jugular vein.


Before the IJV joins the subclavian vein, at the back of the clavicle and sternum, it once again widens its lumen, which is referred to as the inferior bulb, after which it flows into the subclavian vein.

It is at this point that the brachiocephalic vein starts. The localization of the IJV valves is noted at the site of the inferior bulb and at the confluence with the subclavian vein.

Blood enters this vein from cranial tributaries, which can be localized both inside and outside the skull. The supply of blood from the internal vessels of the skull comes from the cerebral vessels, ophthalmic, auditory vessels, and sinuses dura shell brain

If the inflows come from the outside of the skull, then the blood comes from the soft tissues of the head, outer skin skull and face. Both external and internal tributaries are connected through emissary openings, penetrating through the bony openings of the cranium.

External jugular vein (EJV)

A more narrowed lumen characterizes the external jugular vein, and its localization occurs in the area where the cervical tissues are located. This artery transports blood flows from facial zone, outer part of the cervical region and head.

NEA is quite easily visible when stress is applied to the body (screaming, coughing, cervical tension).

The beginning of this vein occurs behind bottom corner jaw, after which it follows down through the outer part of the muscle to which the sternum and collarbone are attached, crossing it at the lower and back parts. Further, it is located above the collarbone and flows into the subclavian vein, and with it the jugular vein.


This vein has two valves, which are located in the initial section and in the middle part of the cervical spine.

Anterior jugular vein (AJV)

The main task of this vein is to drain blood from the chin, and it is localized with outside midline of the cervical spine. This vein rushes down the muscle of the jaw and tongue, or rather along its front part. The venous arch on the right and left connects with the external jugular vein in in rare cases, forming one median vein of the cervical spine.

Photo of the jugular vein in the neck

Ectasia of the internal jugular vein, what is it?

This is a pathological condition in which the jugular vein is dilated (dilated). Diagnosis can occur in both children and adults age category, regardless of gender. The identical name is phlebectasia.

The origin of the disease is due to insufficiency of the jugular vein valves. This condition leads to stagnation or pathologies of other structures and organs.

Risk factors are older age category and gender, since women suffer from ectasia more often than men.

In old age, it is caused as a result of aging of the body and weakening of vascular tissue, or varicose veins. And, in the case of women, the progression of the disease is due to hormonal changes.

Pathological expansion of the cause:

  • Long flights, which are accompanied by stagnation of blood in the veins and disruption of healthy blood circulation;
  • Traumatic situations;
  • Tumor formations that compress the veins in one place, which leads to expansion in another;
  • Heart pathologies;
  • Abnormal production of hubbub;
  • Blood cancer;
  • Sedentary lifestyle.

It is almost impossible to trace clearly expressed signs of expansion of the internal jugular vein, since it is localized deep in the tissues, unlike the external vein.

The latter is clearly visible under skin in the anterior part of the cervical region.

The main signs of internal jugular vein ectasia may not appear at all, and when external manifestations There is only an external enlargement of the vein along its trunk, which does not look aesthetically pleasing.

If the size of the vein is large, then pain in the cervical region is possible, which becomes stronger when screaming, singing and other stress.

What is characteristic of phlebitis?

The most common factor in the progression of phlebitis is inflammation in the middle ear, or the tissues of the mastoid process.

When a blood clot becomes inflamed and embolized, infected particles can circulate throughout the bloodstream, settling in unexpected places.

Also, factors may be:

  • Infectious lesion;
  • Traumatic situations and bruises;
  • Distribution of the drug in the tissues around the vessel.
  • Painful sensations;
  • Swelling;
  • Swelling;
  • Signs of damage to the body by toxins;
  • Acceleration of heart contractions;
  • Rash;
  • Fever;
  • Heavy breathing.

Jugular vein aneurysm

Is rare pathological condition, which manifests itself in children aged 2 to 7 years.

Factor provoking abnormal development vessel walls (protrusion) - abnormal development of the fetus inside the womb. The manifestation of protrusion occurs during laughter, screaming, or other stress, in the form of an increase in the lumen of the jugular vein.

The main features are:

  • Sleep disorders;
  • Rapid fatigue;
  • Headaches;
  • Restless state.

Jugular vein thrombosis

Blocking of a vessel by a thrombus leads to disruptions in normal blood circulation. A blood clot can block the jugular foramen, which will lead to a failure of local blood circulation.

The main provoking factors are:

  • Pathological conditions of internal organs, inflammatory processes, or infectious diseases;
  • Postoperative complications;
  • Consequence of catheterization;
  • Tumor formations;
  • Pathologies of blood clotting;
  • Use of hormonal drugs;
  • Long period of immobility.

Jugular vein thrombosis can be determined by the following signs:

  • Pain in the head and cervical region when turning the head;
  • Manifestation of a freely visible venous network;
  • Swelling of the face;
  • In some cases, pain in the arm is noted.

Rupture of the jugular vein, in the vast majority of cases, ends fatal, as large internal bleeding occurs.

Diagnosis of pathologies

At the first visit, the doctor listens to all the patient’s complaints, studies the medical history and conducts initial examination for the presence of obvious external symptoms.

If a specialist suspects pathology of the jugular vein, an ultrasound duplex examination of the vessels of the cervical spine may be prescribed. Based on this study accurately diagnose pathological disorders of the vascular walls.

Jugular vein treatment

With jugular vein ectasia, there is no need for treatment, since the defect is purely cosmetic. It is removed by ligating the vessel on one side. During this effect, blood circulation passes to the vessels on the other side.

That is, if a vein is swollen on the left, it is ligated, and the blood flow is directed to the right jugular vein.


Diclofenac

With thrombophlebitis, the patient needs surgical removal of the affected vessel, with removal of its clot. And for unilateral blockage of the jugular vein, they use medicinal methods treatment.

And to eliminate the protrusion, malformation is used.

The following medications are used for treatment:

  • . Helps to effectively seal the walls of blood vessels, increasing the level of flexibility, restores tissue nutrition with substances, has a positive effect on the central nervous system. This drug slightly thins the blood, dilates blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the subcortex of the brain;
  • Phlebodia. Used in for preventive purposes, at the initial stages of vascular pathology and is recommended for women bearing a child and those who lead sedentary lifestyle life. The product eliminates swelling, inflammatory processes, has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, increases the tone of small vessels;
  • Diclofenac. Effectively relieves fever, relieves pain and relieves inflammation. Apply after surgical interventions and traumatic situations, to relieve swelling and pain;
  • Ibuprofen. Effectively relieves fever, inflammation and pain relief. TO this drug addiction cannot occur, and it also does not appear negative influence on the central nervous system;
  • Detralex. Helps reduce the permeability of small vessels, and is effective in venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Contraindicated for use by women who are breastfeeding.

Why is jugular vein catheterization done?

To administer injections and perform punctures, doctors use vessels located on the right side.

Application this method treatment is necessary when the ulnar or subulnar fossa interferes with the procedure, or local use of medications is necessary.

Jugular vein catheterization

Prevention

Prophylaxis to prevent jugular vein injury is common to maintain normal condition vessels.

  • Have a routine examination once a year which will help diagnose possible pathologies on early stages development;
  • Maintaining water balance. Drink about one and a half liters pure drinking water per day;
  • Proper nutrition. Must contain large number vitamins and nutrients, for the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
  • Read the instructions carefully medicines , to avoid allergic manifestations, which lead to inflammation of blood vessels;
  • More active image life. Daily walks in the fresh air are recommended;
  • Treat infectious diseases in a timely manner;
  • Maintaining a daily routine. The working day should contain sufficient rest and healthy sleep.

Video: External and anterior jugular vein.

What's the forecast?

Prediction is made in each individual case of jugular vein damage. If the vein is affected by ectasia, then treatment is not required, it just needs to be eliminated cosmetic defect, in this case the prognosis is favorable.

When the jugular vein thromboses, blood access to the separate departments heads, which is already more dangerous situation. Possible oxygen starvation, which will lead to the death of brain tissue and possible death.

Any defects in the walls of the jugular vein can lead to its rupture, which will lead to severe internal bleeding. In most cases, patients die because they are outside the hospital.

Contents of the topic "Viennas" great circle blood circulation Superior vena cava system.":

Internal jugular vein (v. jugularis interna). Tributaries of the internal jugular vein

V. jugularis interna, internal jugular vein, removes blood from the cavity of the skull and neck organs; starting at the foramen jugulare, in which it forms an extension, bulbus superior venae jugularis internae, the vein descends, located lateral to a. carotis interna, and further down laterally from a. carotis communis. At the lower end v. jugularis interna e before connecting it to v. subclavia a second thickening is formed - bulbus inferior v. jugularis internae; in the neck area above this thickening there are one or two valves in the vein. On its way to the neck, the internal jugular vein is covered by m. sternocleidomastoideus and m. omohyoideus.

The tributaries of the internal jugular vein are divided into intracranial and extracranial. The first include the sinuses of the dura matris of the brain, sinus durae matris, and the cerebral veins flowing into them, v. cerebri, veins of the cranial bones, vv. diploicae, veins of the hearing organ, vv. auditivae, veins of the orbit, v. ophtalmicae, and veins of the dura mater, vv. meningeae. The second group includes the veins of the outer surface of the skull and face, which flow into the internal jugular vein along its course.

There are connections between the intracranial and extracranial veins through the so-called graduates, vv. emissariae, passing through the corresponding openings in the cranial bones (foramen parietale, foramen mastoideum, canalis condylaris).

On its way v. jugularis interna receives the following tributaries:

1. V. facialis, facial vein. Its tributaries correspond to the branches of a. facialis and carry blood from various facial formations.

2. V. retromandibularis, retromandibular vein, collects blood from temporal region. Further down in v. retromandibularis flows into a trunk that carries blood from the plexus pterygoideus (thick plexus between mm. pterygoidei), after which v. retromandibularis, passing through the thickness of the parotid gland together with the external carotid artery, below the angle lower jaw merges with v. facialis.

The shortest path connecting the facial vein with the pterygoid plexus is anatomical vein (v. anastomotica facialis), which is located at the level of the alveolar edge of the lower jaw.

Connecting surface and deep veins face, the anastomotic vein can become a route for the spread of infection and is therefore of practical importance.

There are also anastomoses of the facial vein with the orbital veins.

Thus, there are anastomotic connections between the intracranial and extracranial veins, as well as between the deep and superficial veins of the face. As a result, multi-tiered structures are formed venous system heads and connections between its various divisions.

3. Vv. pharyngeae, pharyngeal veins, forming a plexus (plexus pharygneus) on the pharynx, flowing or directly into v. jugularis interna, or fall into v. facialis.

4. V. lingualis, lingual vein, accompanies the artery of the same name.

5. Vv. thyroideae superiores, superior thyroid veins, collect blood from the upper areas thyroid gland and larynx.

6. V. thyroidea media, middle thyroid vein, departs from the lateral edge of the thyroid gland and flows into v. jugularis interna. At the lower edge of the thyroid gland there is an unpaired venous plexus, plexus thyroideus impar, the outflow from which occurs through vv. thyroidae superiores V v. jugularis interna, as well as by v. thyroideae interiores And v. thyroidea im a to the veins anterior mediastinum.

Educational video on the anatomy of the superior vena cava and its tributaries

V. jugularis interna, internal jugular vein, removes blood from the cavity of the skull and neck organs; starting at the foramen jugulare, in which it forms an extension, bulbus superior venae jugularis internae, the vein descends down, located lateral to a. carotis interna, and further down laterally from a. carotis communis. At the lower end of v. jugularis internae before joining it with v. subclavia, a second thickening is formed - bulbus inferior v. jugularis internae; in the neck area above this thickening there are one or two valves in the vein. On its way to the neck, the internal jugular vein is covered by m. sternocleidomastoideus and m. omohyoideus.

The tributaries of the internal jugular vein are divided into intracranial and extracranial. The first include the sinuses of the dura matris, sinus durae matris, and the cerebral veins flowing into them, vv. cerebri, veins of cranial bones, vv. diploicae, veins of the hearing organ, vv. auditivae, orbital veins, vv. ophtalmicae, and veins of the dura mater, vv. meningeae. The second group includes the veins of the outer surface of the skull and face, which flow into the internal jugular vein along its course. There are connections between the intracranial and extracranial veins through the so-called graduates, vv. emissariae, passing through the corresponding openings in the cranial bones (foramen parietale, foramen mastoideum, canalis condylaris).

On its way v. jugularis interna receives the following tributaries:

  1. V. facialis, facial vein. Its tributaries correspond to the branches of a. facialis and carry blood from various facial formations.
  2. V. retromandibular, the retromandibular vein, collects blood from the temporal region. Further down in v. retromandibularis flows into a trunk that carries blood from the plexus pterygoideus (thick plexus between mm. pterygoidei), after which v. retromandibularis, passing through the thickness of the parotid gland together with the external carotid artery, below the angle of the lower jaw merges with v. facialis. The shortest path connecting the facial vein with the pterygoid plexus is the anastomotic vein (v. anastomotica facialis), which is located at the level of the alveolar edge of the mandible. By connecting the superficial and deep veins of the face, the anastomotic vein can become a route for the spread of infection and therefore has practical significance. There are also anastomoses of the facial vein with the orbital veins. Thus, there are anastomotic connections between the intracranial and extracranial veins, as well as between the deep and superficial veins of the face. As a result, a multi-tiered venous system of the head and a connection between its various divisions are formed.
  3. Vv. pharyngeae, pharyngeal veins, forming a plexus (plexus pharygneus) on the pharynx, flow either directly into v. jugularis interna, or flow into v. facialis.
  4. V. lingualis, the lingual vein, accompanies the artery of the same name.
  5. Vv. thyroideae superiores, superior thyroid veins, collect blood from the upper parts of the thyroid gland and larynx.
  6. V. thyroidea media, the middle thyroid vein, departs from the lateral edge of the thyroid gland and flows into v. jugularis interna. At the lower edge of the thyroid gland there is an unpaired venous plexus, plexus thyroideus impar, from which the outflow occurs through the vv. thyroideae superiores in v. jugularis interna, as well as vv. thyroideae interiores and v. thyroidea ima into the veins of the anterior mediastinum.