Internal Jugular Vein Fenestration and Duplication

The internal jugular vein (IJV) is considered one of the prominent veins of the neck. It corresponds to the continuation of the sigmoid sinus and joins the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein. A retrospective study of 200 computed tomography angiographies was performed at the Larissa University Hospital Radiology Department, where the IJV variant morphology was investigated. Three unilateral cases of IJV duplication were observed (0.75%) in three patients (2 on the left and 1 on the right side). One case of IJV fenestration was identified (0.25%) in one patient on the left side. IJV duplication and fenestration are rare aberrations reported in several case reports, while their incidence has been barely reported. Knowledge of IJV variant anatomy (common and uncommon morphological variants) is paramount for head and neck surgeons and anesthesiologists to avoid iatrogenic injury.