Cervical thrombosis of the jugular vein. Jugular Vein: Anatomy and Common Diseases How the Jugular Vein Runs

Content

The human brain receives nutrients and oxygen through the blood, so its flow to it is extremely important. No less significant is the outflow of blood. In the event of its stagnation in the brain, processes with devastating consequences can begin. The outflow of blood from the brain provides a special vessel. The internal jugular vein is located on the right side of the neck, weakly covered by the subcutaneous muscle and is a convenient site for catheterization, along with the antecubital fossa.

What is jugular vein

They are also called jugular (jugularis), they are vascular trunks designed to drain carbon dioxide-saturated blood from the head and neck to the subclavian vessel. Sometimes they converge, forming the median vein of the neck. The internal cranial sinus, freeing from blood, has a jugular opening of the skull. Here, the vessel that accompanies the occipital artery flows into it, as well as the posterior ear vein. Further, it descends to the point where the collarbone and sternum converge. Here it connects with other vessels, forming the brachiocephalic venous highway.

The external jugular artery is smaller, its purpose is to drain blood from the outer part of the neck and head. Catheters are inserted into this vessel to inject medications. The trunk of the transverse veins of the neck flows into the external, connecting with the suprascapular vein. The anterior jugular vein is one of the smallest among them. Its beginning is located in the chin area.

Anatomy

Most of the blood is removed from the head by an internal vein. It has a diameter of 11 to 21 mm. The scheme of its location and tributaries is as follows. Starting at the cranial jugular foramen, it goes down, forming the sigmoid sinus, and further to the clavicle. Near the place where the subclavian vein joins it, which is formed by the confluence of the external vessel with the axillary. On the internal vein there is a thickening called the inferior expansion, over which the valves are located.

In the jugular fossa of the temporal bone is the superior bulb of the jugular vein, as its small extension is called. The tributaries of the internal vein include both extracranial and intracranial. The first are tributaries of the facial vessels, connected by transverse anastomoses with the internal vein along its entire length. In the lower part of the neck, the venous trunks converge into a V-shaped cavity called the jugular fossa. The anterior jugular vein is located in the mental part, where it is formed by means of a superficial plexus of venous trunks in a small area.

By connections in the suprasternal interaponeurotic space, the anterior veins form the jugular venous arch. Intracranial tributaries are the sinuses of the dura mater into which the veins leading to the brain flow. They are venous collectors. The sinus connects to the trunks and to the venous plexuses. An important transverse sinus is located in the sulcus of the occipital bone, in the region of the plexus of the occipital vascular trunk with other vessels.

Extracranial tributaries remove blood from the pharyngeal plexus. Intracranial and extracranial veins merge through ligaments that stretch through the cavities of the skull. The location of the jugular vein directly under the skin makes it easy to feel and notice it if a person coughs or screams, and sometimes with any other tension. The transverse sinus is located in the groove of the occipital bone, connects with the sigmoid sinus and the occipital cerebral veins.

In the space between the pterygoid muscles and the branch of the lower jaw is the pterygoid venous plexus. From here, blood flows out through a network of large vessels, to which the anastomoses of the facial vein are connected. The superior thyroid vein passes near the artery of the same name and reaches the facial and internal jugular venous trunks. Lingual are the dorsal and deep veins of the tongue. At the large horn of the hyoid bone, they merge into one trunk of the lingual vein. Jugular characterizes the presence of a developed anastomosis.

Functions

Vascular trunks are critically necessary for the functioning of the human body. The functions are:

• The removal of blood saturated with carbon dioxide and other waste products from the brain towards the heart.
• Formation of blood circulation in the brain area.

Pathologies

When screaming, stressing, crying in all people, from infants to adults, blood vessels may swell, often on the right. This is the norm, although it often worries new parents. Vascular problems often occur in old age, but in the presence of congenital defects, they can also appear at a young age. The changes include:

• Thrombosis.
• Vascular expansion.
• Sequelae of inflammation (phlebitis).
• Birth defects, dilatation.

Phlebectasia

Jugular vein dilatation is common. The disease affects a person of any gender and age. Jugular vein ectasia occurs due to problems with the valves leading to blood stasis. Illness is often the result of disease. Often ectasia occurs in women and the elderly. With age, the connective tissue of blood vessels weakens, varicose veins occur, which leads to disruption of the functioning of the valves. In women, similar problems arise with hormonal changes.

Due to the deep location of the vessel inside, it is difficult to distinguish between ectasia. Violations of the vascular trunk are visible to the naked eye from the outside. Phlebectasia of the right internal jugular vein is widespread. It can be almost invisible. Perhaps the appearance of unpleasant sensations on the neck, especially strong when screaming. Severe ectasia can change the voice, making breathing difficult.

Among the main causes of the disease:

• Trauma, injury.
• Passive lifestyle.
• Valve problems.
• Heart disease.
• Leukemia.
• Neoplasms.
• Abnormal functioning of the endocrine system.

Phlebitis

The cause of the onset of the disease is often the inflammatory process in the middle ear, tissues of the mastoid process. If a blood clot turns out to be infected, then its particles can spread throughout the body along with the infection. With thrombophlebitis, the patient feels pain, swelling, swelling occurs, accompanied by symptoms of intoxication. The spread of infection may be accompanied by tachycardia, rash, fever, shortness of breath. The cause of phlebitis can be:

• trauma or injury;
• infection;
• distribution of the drug in the tissues around the vessel.

Thrombosis

Blockage of a vessel by a blood clot leads to impaired blood flow. It is widely believed that thrombi are a pathology of the femoral, inferior vena cava or iliac vein, but blockage can also form in deep jugular vessels and their branches. It leads to a severe headache and pain in the neck when you try to turn your head, a pronounced venous pattern appears, swelling of the face. In some cases, the pain goes to the arm. Blockage is expressed in compaction. Among the reasons:

• Problems with blood clotting.
• Consequence of operations, installation of catheters.
• Neoplasms.
• Long period of immobility.
• The use of hormones.
• Pathologies of internal organs, inflammation and infection.

Aneurysm

It is a rare pathology that manifests itself in children aged two to seven years. The probable cause is an abnormal development of the fetus, leading to abnormal development of the connective tissue of the vessel. An aneurysm appears as an expansion of the vascular trunk, which increases when the child laughs, screams or cries. Symptoms include: sleep problems, increased fatigue, headache, restless behavior.

Methods for the treatment of pathologies

Phlebectasia does not pose a threat to life and is a cosmetic defect. It can be removed by unilateral ligation of the vessel, in which the outflow of venous blood will be taken over by collaterals and vessels located on the other side. Thrombophlebitis requires a surgical operation to remove the "sick" vessel, while eliminating thrombotic formations. Treatment of unilateral thrombosis involves conservative methods. To eliminate the venous aneurysm, resection of the malformation is used.

The following drugs are used for treatment:

It is an antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. Used after surgery or injury to relieve pain, swelling. There are contraindications: individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.

It lowers the temperature, relieves inflammation, has an analgesic effect. Ibuprofen cannot be addictive, it does not produce a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

It is used for prevention, at the initial stages of vascular diseases, it is recommended for pregnant women and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The drug is able to eliminate swelling and inflammation, has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, makes the capillaries less extensible, increases their tone. Slightly thinning the blood, it promotes its outflow. The drug favors the saturation of blood vessels with oxygen.

Reduces capillary permeability and is effective if the patient has venous-lymphatic insufficiency, varicose veins. The drug is well tolerated, low toxicity, contraindicated only in case of individual susceptibility to its components and women who are breastfeeding.

1. Trental

The drug strengthens blood vessels, increases their elasticity, normalizes the supply of tissues with nutrients, and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Trental makes the blood a little more liquid, promotes vasodilation, improves blood flow, and has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the cerebral cortex.

The jugular veins are several paired large vessels that are located on the neck. They carry the blood away from it towards the head. Let's take a closer look at these streams.

main branch

Each jugular vein (and there are three in total) belongs to the system of the upper hollow bed. The largest of them is the top one. This jugular vein carries blood to the cranial cavity. The vessel is a continuation of the sigmoid sinus of the dura mater. The superior bulb - the expansion of the jugular vein - is the site of the beginning of the vessel. It is located at the corresponding opening of the skull. From here the jugular vein goes to the sternoclavicular junction. In this case, the vessel is covered in front by the mastoid muscle passing in this zone. In the lower cervical regions, the vein is located in the connective tissue, common with the vagus nerve and carotid artery, the vagina. Behind the sternoclavicular joint, it merges with the subclavian. In this case, we mean the lower bulbous expansion, from which the brachiocephalic vein is formed.

outer channel

This jugular vein has a smaller diameter. It is located in the subcutaneous tissue. The external jugular vein on the neck runs along the anterior surface, deviating laterally in the lower sections. In other words, the vessel crosses the posterior edge in the sternocleidomastoid muscle approximately at the level of its middle. The vein is clearly contoured in the process of singing, coughing, screaming. It collects blood from superficial head, facial formations. In some cases, it is used for the introduction of drugs, catheterization. In its lower part, the vein flows into the subclavian, perforating its own fascia.

anterior branch

This vein is small. It is formed from the subcutaneous vessels of the chin. The vein passes down a short distance from the line of the middle of the neck. In the lower sections, the left and right branches form an anastomosis. They call it the jugular arch. After the vessel is hidden under the sternocleidomastoid muscle and flows into the external branch.

Channel connection

The following veins enter the external jugular branch:

Circulatory disorders

The causes of these phenomena should be considered stagnation of blood, which, in turn, is due to the flow around the injured area, due to heart failure or prolonged sitting (for example, during air travel). Atrial fibrillation can provoke a violation of the current in the left atrium or its appendage, which, in turn, can cause thromboembolism. With leukemia, another malignant tumor, cancer, the risk of developing thrombosis is high. The provoking factors in this case can be considered external compression of blood vessels. Less commonly, pathology is caused by a violation of the integrity of the blood flow system. This happens, for example, with cancer of the kidney cells that has grown into the renal veins.

Among the provoking factors, the use of chemotherapeutic and radioactive methods in the treatment of cancer should also be noted. Often they lead to additional hypercoagulability. When a blood vessel is damaged, the body uses fibrin and platelets to form a clot (thrombus) to prevent blood loss. However, under certain circumstances, such "plugs" can form without damage to the blood channels. They can freely circulate along the channel. Jugular vein thrombosis can develop as a result of a malignant tumor, drug use, or as a result of infection. Pathology can lead to all sorts of complications, such as sepsis, optic nerve edema, pulmonary embolism. Despite the fact that with thrombosis the patient experiences pain of a rather pronounced nature, it is quite difficult to diagnose the pathology. This is mainly due to the fact that clot formation can occur anywhere.

Puncture of the jugular vein

This procedure is prescribed for small diameter peripheral veins. Puncture works well enough in patients with reduced or normal nutrition. The patient's head is turned to the opposite side. The vein is pinched with the index finger directly above the collarbone. For better filling of the channel, the patient is recommended to push. The specialist takes a place at the patient's head, treats the surface of the skin with alcohol. Next, the vein is fixed with a finger and pierced. It should be said that the vein has a thin wall, and therefore there may not be a feeling of an obstacle. It is necessary to prick with a needle put on a syringe, which, in turn, is filled with a drug. This can prevent the development of an air embolism. The flow of blood into the syringe is carried out in the process of pulling its piston. After the needle is in the vein, its compression stops. Then the medication is injected. If re-injection is necessary, the vein is again pinched over the collarbone with a finger.

Together, the vessels that make up the jugular veins perform the most important functions in the body. Violations in their work leads to serious consequences. To exclude the occurrence of venous pathologies, it is necessary to know more about the jugular vein and the possible problems associated with it.

What it is

The jugular vein is a collection of vessels that provide blood outflow from the head and neck into the venous bed under the clavicle.

The main and main functions is to prevent stagnation of blood in the cavity of the brain. Violation of the functions of work entail very serious pathological changes in the body.

Views and location

The composition of the JV includes 3 independent venous channels. Accordingly, their anatomy is separate.

The veins of the head and neck, which are responsible for the correct outflow of blood from the brain cavity, are divided into 3 types. These are the anterior, external and internal jugular veins.

Internal

It differs by a relatively wide trunk compared to the other 2. In the process of expelling blood, it easily expands and narrows, thanks to thin walls and a diameter of 20 mm. The outflow of blood in a certain amount occurs with the help of the valves.

With the expansion of the lumen, the superior bulb of the jugular vein is formed. This happens at the moment when the VJV enters from the hole.

Typical anatomy diagram:

• start - area of ​​the jugular foramen;
• localization - the cranium, or rather its base;
• further - its path goes down, the place of localization is in the back muscle, the place of attachment is the clavicle and sternum;
• the place of intersection with the posterior muscle is the area of ​​\u200b\u200bits lower and rear parts;
• after the path is laid along the trajectory of the carotid artery;
• slightly lower comes forward and is located in front of the carotid artery;
• then, together with the carotid artery and the vagus nerve, they are sent through the place of expansion;
• as a result, a powerful bundle of arteries is created, which includes the carotid artery and all the jugular veins.

Blood enters the EJV from the tributaries of the skull, the location of which is the cranium and outside it. It comes from the vessels: brain, eye, auditory.

Also, suppliers are the hard shell of the brain, or rather its sinuses.

outdoor

The place of localization is the tissues of the neck. Blood is directed from the area of ​​the face, head and outer part of the cervical region. Perfectly visible visually when coughing, screaming or stressing.

Construction scheme:

• beginning - the lower angle of the jaw;
• further down the muscle that attaches the sternum and clavicle;
• crosses the outer part of the muscle. The intersection point is the region of its rear and lower parts.

It has only 2 valves located in the initial and middle parts of the neck.

Front

The main task is to carry out the outflow from the chin area. The place of localization is the neck section, the middle line.

Anatomical features:

• passes through the muscle of the tongue and jaw (along the front), down;
• further on both sides of the vein are connected to each other, the formation of a venous arch occurs.

Sometimes the arc collected together as \ cash forms a middle one.

Main and main functions

Responsible for several important functions in the body:

• ensure proper blood circulation in the cerebral regions;
• after saturation of the blood with oxygen, provide its reverse outflow;
• responsible for nutrient saturation;
• remove toxins from the head and neck.

In case of violations of the functions of the work of nuclear weapons, it is necessary to urgently identify the causes of the pathology.

Diseases and changes

The reasons for the expansion let you know about the violation of the functions of the circulatory system. This situation requires an immediate solution. You should be aware that there are no age restrictions for JV pathologies. Both adults and children suffer from them.

Phlebectasia

A thorough accurate diagnosis is necessary, the result of which should be the identification of the causes of the appearance of the pathology, as well as the appointment of a comprehensive effective treatment.

Extensions occur:

• with stagnation, as a result of injury to the neck, spine or ribs;
• with osteochondrosis, concussion of the brain;
• with ischemia, hypertension, heart failure;
• with endocrine disorders;
• with a long sitting position at work;
• in malignant and benign tumors.

Stress and nervous tension can also cause phlebectasia. With nervous excitement, pressure can increase, and there is a loss of elasticity of the walls of blood vessels. This can lead to valve dysfunction. Therefore, phlebectasia needs to be detected early.

Circulation can be adversely affected by factors such as: alcohol consumption, smoking, toxins, excessive mental and physical exertion.

Thrombosis

May occur due to the presence of a chronic disease in the body. In the presence of such, as a rule, blood clots form in the vessels. If a blood clot has formed, there is a chance that it will break off at any time, resulting in the blockage of vital arteries.

Signs of thrombosis:

• sometimes pain occurs in the hand;
• swelling of the face;
• manifestation on the skin of venous reticulum;
• when turning the head, pain occurs in the cervical region and neck.

Thrombosis can result in rupture of the jugular venous canals, which is fatal.

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis

Inflammatory changes in the mastoid process or middle ear are called phlebitis. The cause of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis can be:

• bruises, wounds;
• setting injections and catheters in violation of sterility;
• the ingress of drugs into the tissues around the vessel. Often this can be provoked by calcium chloride when it is injected past an artery;
• infection from the skin.

Phlebitis may be uncomplicated or purulent. The treatment of the 2 pathologies is different.

Aneurysm

A rare pathology is an aneurysm. It can even occur in children as young as 2 to 7 years of age. Pathology is not fully understood. It is believed that its occurrence comes from the improper development of the basis of the venous bed, or rather its connective tissue. It is formed during the intrauterine development of the fetus. Clinically, the anomaly does not manifest itself. You can notice it only when the child is crying or screaming.

Aneurysm symptoms:

• headache;
• anxiety;
• sleep disturbance;
• fast fatiguability.

Treatment consists in the discharge of venous blood and vascular prosthetics.

Who is in charge of diagnosis and treatment

If symptoms of the disease occur, you should consult a general practitioner. After consultation, he can refer you to a phlebologist for an appointment.

Based on the patient's complaints, the phlebologist conducts an initial visual examination, the result of which should be the identification of pronounced symptoms of venous disease.

In addition, all patients suffering from vascular diseases should be registered with a cardiologist. Jugular vein disease must be detected early. Be aware of possible serious consequences.

If at least one symptom of a particular disease appears, an immediate appeal to the therapist is necessary.

18. Internal jugular vein: topography, intra and extracranial tributaries.

Internal jugular vein(v. jugularisinterna) - a large vessel into which, as well as into the external jugular vein, blood is collected from the head and neck, from areas corresponding to the branching of the external and internal carotid and vertebral arteries.

The internal jugular vein is a direct continuation of the sigmoid sinus of the dura mater. It begins at the level of the jugular foramen, below which there is a slight expansion - superior bulb of the internal jugular vein(bulbus superior venae jugularis). At first, the vein goes behind the internal carotid artery, then laterally. Even lower, the vein is located behind the common carotid artery in common with it and the vagus nerve, the connective tissue (fascial) vagina. Above the confluence with the subclavian vein, the internal jugular vein has a second extension - inferior bulb of internal jugular vein(bulbus inferior venae jigularis), and above and below the bulb - one valve each.

Through the sigmoid sinus, from which the internal jugular vein originates, venous blood flows from the system of sinuses of the hard shell of the brain. Superficial and deep veins of the brain (see. Vessels of the brain) flow into these sinuses (see. "Membranes") - diploic, as well as ophthalmic veins and labyrinth veins, which can be considered as intracranial tributaries of the internal jugular vein.

Diploic veins(w. diploicae) valveless, through them the blood flows from the bones of the skull. These thin-walled, relatively wide veins originate in the spongy substance of the bones of the cranial vault (formerly they were called cancellous veins). In the cranial cavity, these veins communicate with the meningeal veins and sinuses of the dura mater of the brain, and outside, through the emissary veins, with the veins of the outer integument of the head. The largest diploic veins are frontal diploic vein(v. diploica frontalis), which flows into the superior sagittal sinus, anterior temporal diploic vein(v. diploica temporalis anterior) - in the sphenoid-parietal sinus, posterior temporal diploic vein(v. diploica temporalis posterior) - into the mastoid emissary vein and occipital diploic vein(v. diploica occipitdlis) - into the transverse sinus or into the occipital emissary vein.

Sinuses of the dura mater of the brain with the help of emissary veins, they connect with the veins located in the outer integument of the head. Emissary veins(w. emissdriae) are located in small bone canals, through which blood flows outward from the sinuses, i.e. to the veins that collect blood from the outer integument of the head. stand out parietal emissary vein(v. emissaria parietdlis), which passes through the parietal opening of the bone of the same name and connects the superior sagittal sinus with the external veins of the head. Mastoid emissary vein(v. emissaria masto "idea) is located in the mastoid canal of the temporal bone. Condylar emissary vein(v. emissaria condylaris) penetrates through the condylar canal of the occipital bone. The parietal and mastoid emissary veins connect the sigmoid sinus with tributaries of the occipital vein, and the condylar also with the veins of the external vertebral plexus.

Superior and inferior ophthalmic veins(vv. ophthdlmicae superior et inferior) valveless. The veins of the nose and forehead, the upper eyelid, the ethmoid bone, the lacrimal gland, the membranes of the eyeball and most of its muscles flow into the first of them, the larger one. The superior ophthalmic vein in the region of the medial angle of the eye anastomoses with facial vein(v. facialis). The inferior ophthalmic vein is formed from the veins of the lower eyelid, neighboring muscles of the eye, lies on the lower wall of the orbit under the optic nerve and flows into the superior ophthalmic vein, which exits the orbit through the superior orbital fissure and flows into the cavernous sinus.

Veins of the labyrinth(vv. labyrinthi) come out of it through the internal auditory canal and flow into the adjacent lower stony sinus.

Extracranial tributaries of the internal jugular vein:

\) pharyngeal veins(vv. pharyngedles) valveless, carry blood from pharyngeal plexus(plexus pharyngeus), which is located on the back of the pharynx. Venous blood flows into this plexus from the pharynx, auditory tube, soft palate and the occipital part of the hard shell of the brain;

2) lingual vein(v. lingualis), which is formed by the dorsal veins of the tongue (w. dorsdles linguie), the deep vein of the tongue (v. profunda lingude) and the hyoid vein (v. sublingualis);

3) superior thyroid vein(v. thyroidea superior) sometimes flows into the facial vein, adjacent to the artery of the same name, has valves. into the superior thyroid vein superior laryngeal vein(v. laryngea superior) and sternocleidomastoid vein(v. sternocleidomastoidea). In some cases, one of the thyroid veins goes laterally to the internal jugular vein and flows into it independently as middle thyroid vein(v. thyroidea media);

4) facial vein(v. facialis) flows into the internal jugular vein at the level of the hyoid bone. Smaller veins that form in the soft tissues of the face flow into it: angular in e-n a (v. angularis), supraorbital vein (v. supraorbitilis), veins of the upper and lower eyelids (w. palpebrdles superioris et inferioris), external nasal veins (vv. nasdles externae), superior and inferior labial veins (vv. labiales superior et iferiores), external palatine vein (v. palatina externa), submental vein (v. submentalis), veins of the parotid gland (vv . parotidei), deep vein of the face (v. profunda faciei);

5) mandibular vein(v. retromandibularis) is a rather large vessel. It goes in front of the auricle, passes through the parotid gland behind the branch of the lower jaw (outside of the external carotid artery), flows into the internal jugular vein. The anterior ear veins (w. auricularesanteriores), superficial, middle and deep temporal veins (w. tem porales superficiales, media et profiindae), veins of the temporal o-n and mandibular joint (w. articulares temporomandibulares) bring blood to the mandibular vein. ), pterygoid plexus (plexus pterygoides), into which the middle meningeal veins flow (w. meningeae mediae), parotid veins (vv. parot "ideae), veins of the middle ear (w. tympanicae).

Phlebectasia is an anatomical term for the expansion of a vein. With the pathology of the jugular veins, the vessels in the neck expand. Usually this does not bring significant harm to health and is only a cosmetic defect. In a severe form of pathology, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.

Read in this article

Features of phlebectasia of the jugular vein

This is a congenital anomaly that develops in about 1 in 10,000 children. It begins to appear at the age of 2 - 5 years. When straining, coughing, crying, a bulge is noticeable on his neck. It is caused by the accumulation of blood and stretching of the weakened wall of the jugular vein. Such a weakening is associated with a violation of the development of the vein in the embryonic period.

Distinguish between the pathology of the internal and external jugular (jugular) veins. Internal - a wide vessel that collects blood from the internal parts of the skull. The outer one is thinner, venous vessels flow into it from the outer surface of the head. There is also an anterior vein, which is a collector for venous blood from the neck and sublingual region. All these vessels are paired, they flow into the subclavian veins.

All veins are equipped with developed valves that prevent blood from flowing in the opposite direction. This is possible with an increase in pressure in the chest cavity, when venous blood normally flows back to the head in a small amount. When a child screams or cries, the neck veins or vessels on the surface of his head may swell. It happens symmetrically.

With congenital weakness of one of the valves, blood enters the affected vein more intensively, and then, with tension, it can be seen that its increase is much greater on one side. This symptom is the main symptom of phlebectasia.

Causes of changes in the right, left, both veins

The cause of phlebectasia is the weakness of the connective tissue of its valves. Pathology can manifest itself in a child, but quite often it occurs in women during menopause and in the elderly. This is due to the intensification of the processes of structural change under the influence of age-related or hormonal changes. In these cases, jugular phlebectasia may occur with equal probability on either side or even bilateral.

Expansion of both jugular veins- a sign of severe heart disease with insufficient work of his left ventricle. This can be observed in chronic lung diseases or severe heart defects, for example,.

In addition to the anatomical weakness of the venous valves, the cause of the disease can be a tumor that compresses the overlying part of the vessel. In this case, it matters on which side the lesion occurred.:

• right-sided jugular phlebectasia can be observed with a significant increase in the cervical lymph nodes on the right or soft tissue tumors in this area;
• accordingly, damage to the left jugular vein should alert doctors to any pathology of the lymphatic vessels on the left.

There is no list of diseases that cause phlebectasia. In each case, the doctor examines the patient individually, revealing all the features of his body.

Symptoms of the disease

In boys, pathology occurs 3 times more often than in girls. Often, along with the expansion of the vein, there is also her.

Pathology outwardly proceeds almost imperceptibly. Patients usually present to the doctor between the ages of 8 and 15 with complaints of bulging on one side of the neck, which is caused by a dilated external jugular vein. At first, it is manifested only by swelling from the side of the sternocleidomastoid muscle of the neck with its tension.

Then, with progression, this formation increases with crying, straining, and other conditions that increase pressure in the chest cavity and impede normal venous blood flow through the subclavian and superior vena cava to the heart.

Violation of the normal outflow of blood from the tissues of the head is accompanied by such clinical symptoms that first appear in childhood:

• episodes;
• sleep disturbance;
• fast fatiguability;
• poor school performance;
• nosebleeds of unknown nature;
• feeling of suffocation, pressure on the neck;

The frequency of occurrence of such symptoms is from 10 to 40% and forces the patient to consult a doctor.. In other cases, if the disease is asymptomatic, a person may live his whole life and not know that he has such a vascular anomaly.

The larger the lumen of the expansion, the more often the patient is worried about something. This is due to the volume of blood reflux and the development of venous congestion in the tissues of the head.

Diagnostic methods

If jugular phlebectasia is suspected, it is necessary to contact a vascular surgeon who will conduct an appropriate angiological examination. To assess the severity of the process caused by a violation of the venous outflow, a consultation of a neurologist and an ophthalmologist (examination of the fundus) is prescribed.

Screening method, that is, rapid preliminary diagnosis -. It allows you to identify such signs:

• the location and structure of education, its size;
• the direction of blood flow, its nature (laminar, that is, linear, or turbulent, that is, swirling);
• the patency of the veins, the condition of their walls and valves.

Then the patient is assigned such methods of research:

• blood tests, urine,;
• x-ray examination of the chest and cervicothoracic spine;
• ultrasonic triplex scanning in B-mode;
• Dopplerographic determination of the linear and volumetric velocity of blood flow through the veins;
• radiopaque phlebography (filling the lumen of the vein with a substance that does not transmit x-rays);
• computer and magnetic resonance tomoangiography to accurately determine all the characteristics of the lesion.

According to phlebography, 4 types of the disease are distinguished:

• limited circular expansion in combination with tortuosity of the vein;
• limited circular expansion;
• diffuse circular expansion;
• side extension, or .

Depending on the data obtained, the surgeon plans the type of operation.

Treatment of phlebectasia of the jugular vein

Phlebectasia is not only a cosmetic defect. It leads to disruption of the blood supply to the brain and disrupts its functions. In the future, this condition may progress. Therefore, it is best to have the operation performed at 7-10 years of age.

Types of surgical interventions:

• circular resection (removal) of the extension;
• longitudinal resection;
• casing (strengthening the walls of the vessel) with a polymer mesh;
• expansion resection with vessel plasty.

All these types of intervention are equally effective and allow you to finally restore normal blood flow. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 hours. The recovery period is short. These tissues are well supplied with blood and heal quickly.

Possible Complications

After surgery on the jugular veins in the near future, 8-9% of patients develop stenosis or thrombosis of the vessel. Doctors are good at managing these complications. The use of modern medicines can reduce the frequency of complications to a minimum.

No complications were noted in the late postoperative period.

If an operation is necessary, then refusing it will lead to adverse consequences.:

• prolonged headaches;
• the impossibility of intense physical activity;
• poor school performance;
• increased severity of other symptoms;
• the growth of a cosmetic defect in the neck.

A rare but most dangerous complication is trauma or rupture of an enlarged venous vessel. In this case, intense bleeding occurs, requiring emergency medical attention. This condition occurs with large (up to 10 cm or more) extensions.

Even the smallest phlebectasias serve as a source of improper blood flow, so they can thrombose over time. This is dangerous if a blood clot enters the heart, and through its right ventricle - into the pulmonary circulatory system. The result is a serious and often fatal condition such as pulmonary embolism.

Is it possible to give birth with moderate phlebectasia

During childbirth, pressure in the chest cavity increases, which creates an additional load on the dilated vein. Therefore, the question of the conduct of the birth process depends on the severity of phlebectasia.

A pregnant woman should consult a vascular surgeon.
You can give birth with this disease in any case. Depending on the severity of the pathology, natural childbirth, exclusion of the straining period, anesthesia can be carried out.

With particularly severe phlebectasia and other concomitant diseases, a caesarean section is indicated.

The question of the tactics of childbirth is decided for each woman individually. If she underwent surgery for this disease in childhood, there are no restrictions for normal childbirth.

Development prevention

Primary prevention of this disease has not been developed, since it is congenital and its cause has not been established. Only general advice on bearing a child is given - a healthy diet, good rest, taking multivitamins for pregnant women.

If a child has an operation for this disease, in the future he is carried out annually to ensure the normal course of recovery.

If the surgical intervention was not performed, if the defect is small, it may further decrease or disappear on its own. To do this, it is necessary to strengthen the muscles of the neck: massage and physiotherapy exercises are shown. Situations that increase intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure should be avoided.:

• strong prolonged cough;
• persistent constipation;
• weight lifting;
• intense physical activity.