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Topic

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Jugular venous arch

The jugular venous arch is a transverse venous connection located in the suprasternal space of Burns, uniting the left and right anterior jugular veins. It runs horizontally just above the sternum and communicates with the external jugular, subclavian, and occasionally internal jugular veins through variable anastomoses.

Anatomically, it is a thin but consistent venous channel that contributes to the rich venous plexus of the lower neck. Its exact configuration varies, but it commonly forms a curved or straight transverse channel across the midline.

Clinically, the jugular venous arch is important in central venous access, neck surgery, and venous drainage mapping. It also serves as a collateral pathway in cases of jugular or subclavian vein obstruction.

Synonyms

  • Venous arch of the neck

  • Anterior jugular venous arch

  • Arcus venosus juguli

Function

  • Provides transverse venous communication between left and right anterior jugular veins

  • Contributes to venous return from superficial neck structures

  • Acts as a collateral drainage route in venous obstruction (e.g., subclavian or jugular vein stenosis)

  • Serves as a landmark in surgical approaches to the lower neck and tracheostomy

Tributaries

  • Left and right anterior jugular veins (primary contributors)

  • Communicating branches with external jugular and subclavian veins

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Appears as a linear signal void (black lumen) just above the manubrium of the sternum

  • Surrounded by high-signal fat and soft tissues, aiding identification

T2-weighted images:

  • Venous lumen remains a signal void

  • Dilatation, thrombosis, or slow flow may produce variable intermediate signal

STIR:

  • Fat suppression increases conspicuity against suprasternal fat

  • Inflammatory or edematous changes appear hyperintense

T1 Post-Gadolinium (MR Venography):

  • Jugular venous arch enhances brightly, seen as a transverse enhancing venous channel in the suprasternal region

  • Confirms continuity with anterior jugular veins and other cervical venous connections

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Cardiac/Respiratory-Gated Imaging:

  • Demonstrates the arch and its communications in three dimensions without contrast

  • Useful in venous mapping before surgery or catheterization

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Appears as a small tubular soft tissue density above the sternum, often indistinct without contrast

CT Post-Contrast (CT Venography):

  • Opacifies as a horizontal enhancing venous channel in the suprasternal space

  • Multiplanar reconstructions show connections with anterior jugular, external jugular, and subclavian veins

  • Essential in differentiating the venous arch from lymph nodes, cysts, or small masses in the suprasternal region

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Jugular venous arch anatomy axial ct image -img-00000-00000

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Jugular venous arch anatomy coronal ct image -img-00000-00000

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Jugular venous arch anatomy coronal mri image -img-00000-00000