Journal Article

Constellation of variations in the superficial veins of the posterior triangle of neck: an uncommon presentation with clinical applications

Walocha, Jerzy A., Chaudhary, Priti, Burdan, Franciszek, Patra, Apurba, Lipski, Marcin, Asghar, Adil

2026

Overview

BACKGROUND: Anatomical variations of the external jugular vein (EJV) are important because of their notable implications for flap design and diagnostic procedures, including EJV cannulation. CASE REPORT: This case report describes a unique venous anomaly observed during dissection of the right posterior cervical triangle in an adult male body donor. Notably, the EJV terminated atypically by forming a venous loop with the transverse cervical vein. This loop comprised three segments: a proximal segment formed by the EJV, a distal segment formed by the transverse cervical vein, and an intervening midsegment. From the convexity of the loop, two veins arose, running parallel for approximately 2.5 cm before piercing the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia and draining separately into the subclavian vein (SCV). RESULTS: The first vein (V1) entered the SCV 1.77 cm distal to the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), while the second (V2) did so 2.57 cm distal to the same landmark. Additionally, the posterior external jugular vein (PEJV), an infrequent finding, was observed running along the anterior border of the trapezius muscle and draining into the transverse cervical vein instead of the EJV. The suprascapular vein, rather than opening into the EJV, drained directly into the SCV. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the significance of acknowledging such rare venous variations to avoid potential complications during surgical procedures involving the neck region.

• Publisher: Via Medica
• Subject: anatomical variation / external jugular vein / subclavian vein / transverse cervical vein / venous loop