A hemodynamic screening tool for symptomatic internal jugular vein stenosis in J3 segment

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to formulate an ultrasonic diagnostic criterion for stenosis in the J3 segment of internal jugular vein (IJV) and probe into the effects of stenosis in the J3 segment on intracranial pressure (ICP) and the cerebral drainage pattern.MethodsParticipants who exhibited narrowing in the J3 segment of IJV on neuroimaging and reported symptoms correlated with IJV stenosis (IJVS) were enlisted from Xuanwu Hospital. Clinical data were retrospectively amassed.ResultsA total of 163 subjects including 57 IJVS subjects and 106 control subjects were recruited. We unearthed an inverse relationship between the pressure gradient and the flow velocity. Flow velocity at or below 27.5 cm/s coincided with pressure gradient values of 4 mmHg or greater. There is no significant correlation between IJVS and ICP. Additionally, a linear correlation was identified between the bilateral flow volume in the J3 segment and ICP. Values exceeding 425 mL/min were indicative of intracranial hypertension. There was an increase in diameter, flow volume and flow velocity in the bilateral vertebral veins in participants with IJVS.ConclusionsThe J3 segment of IJV displays right dominance. Stenosis can be deduced when the flow velocity in the J3 segment is at or below 27.5 cm/s. Stenosis in the J3 segment yielded a diminished outflow in the IJV and an augmented outflow in the vertebral veins. When bilateral flow volume in the J3 segment exceeds 425 mL/min, it denotes intracranial hypertension.