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. 2002 Sep;23(8):1418-20.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of vertebral venous valves

Chi-Hsiang Chou  1 , A-Ching Chao, Han-Hwa Hu
Affiliations

Ultrasonographic evaluation of vertebral venous valves

Chi-Hsiang Chou et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2002 Sep.

Abstract

To date, vertebral venous valves have not been studied clinically or by sonography. This report reveals that these valves could be studied noninvasively by using sonographic techniques. Real-time sonography clearly showed the opening and closing of the two cusps of vertebral venous valves at the junction of the vertebral vein and the brachiocephalic vein, which move synchronously with the internal jugular venous valves. This is the first time the vertebral venous valves have been studied by using clinical sonography. This might provide a new point of view for evaluating the clinical significance of vertebral venous valves.

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Figures

F<sc>ig</sc> 1.
Fig 1.
Right vertebral venous valves (arrow) can be seen at the junction of the IJV, vertebral vein (VV), and brachiocephalic vein (BCV) under the B-mode image.
F<sc>ig</sc> 2.
Fig 2.
B-mode, real-time imaging with color Doppler recording of vertebral venous valve’s opening and closing. VV, vertebral vein. A, During early opening phase. B, During opening phase. C, During closing phase.
F<sc>ig</sc> 3.
Fig 3.
M-mode recording of both the internal jugular venous valve and vertebral venous valve. Arrow 1, valve opening; arrow 2, valve closing; VV, vertebral vein; BCV, brachiocephalic vein.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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