Why is my right internal jugular vein not visualized on MRV?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had an MRV done. In the report, it said my right internal jugular vein was not visualized at the skull base. What could this possibly mean?

It was never followed up on. I get terrible headaches.

Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The internal jugular vein carries blood from the brain and neck area to the heart. There are many reasons for the non-visualization of the internal jugular vein on MRV, and the causes can be technical due to slow flow of blood or can be due to mild compression of the vein due to a secondary cause.

Rarely can it be from a thrombus in the lumen of the vein. If the MRV of the brain and the rest of the internal jugular vein is normal, then the non-visualization is likely due to technical reasons and is artifactual.

If you are having headaches, then it is better to talk to your doctor and get a neck venous Doppler done to rule out any external compression of the vein or any luminal thrombosis of a chronic nature.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.