Color doppler sonographic finding of retrograde jugular venous flow as a sign of innominate vein occlusion

Abstract

Occlusion or stenosis of the superior vena cava, the innominate vein, or both is an important clinical problem that requires prompt diagnosis. To confirm a suspected occlusion, imaging studies revealing the obstruction and the presence of collateral venous routes are needed. Color Doppler sonography (CDUS) is widely used to evaluate suspected venous thrombosis and collateral pathways. We present the CDUS findings in 2 cases of innominate vein occlusion. In case 1, CDUS of the neck and left upper arm, which harbored a permanent hemodialysis access, showed engorged veins in the upper arm, a patent dialysis access, and some collateral veins in the axilla. The subclavian and internal jugular veins were patent, but the flow in the left internal jugular vein was reversed. The left innominate vein was occluded. In case 2, CDUS of the upper arms showed that the veins, the dialysis access in the left upper arm, and the subclavian and jugular veins were patent, but the flow in the left internal jugular vein and in the right subclavian vein was reversed. Collateral veins were seen in the right axillary region. Both innominate veins were occluded. The resulting collateral pathways, ie, retrograde flow in the ipsilateral jugular vein crossing to the contralateral jugular vein through dural sinuses, were confirmed by venography in both cases. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:392–398, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.10081