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Posterior auricular vein

The posterior auricular vein is a superficial vein located in the region posterior (behind) to the auricle (external ear). It primarily drains the scalp above and behind the ear, collecting blood from the occipital region and the posterior surface of the auricle. The vein descends along the posterior aspect of the auricle, passes superficial to the mastoid process, and typically joins the external jugular vein. Its anatomical location and consistent pathway make it relevant in head and neck imaging, venous mapping, and surgical planning. In MRI studies, it is often visualized incidentally, especially in high-resolution protocols focusing on the temporal bone, mastoid, or parotid regions.

Synonyms

  • Auricularis posterior vein

  • Vena auricularis posterior (Latin)

  • Vein of the posterior auricle

Anatomy

  • Superficial vein of the head and neck.

  • Originates from venous plexuses on the scalp and the posterior auricle.

  • Runs downward behind the auricle, over the mastoid process.

  • Drains into the external jugular vein.

  • Closely associated with the posterior auricular artery and nerves of the auricular region.

MRI Appearance

On Proton Density (PD) Sequence:

  • Appears as a flow void (dark linear or curvilinear structure) due to rapid blood flow, typical of veins in PD imaging.

  • Can sometimes appear hyperintense if flow is slow or if imaging parameters enhance blood signal.

On Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR):

  • Typically appears as a hypointense (dark) tubular structure due to flow void.

  • Surrounding soft tissues and fat are suppressed, making the vessel more conspicuous if filled with slow-moving blood or thrombosed.

On T1-Weighted Sequence:

  • Appears as a hypointense (dark) tubular structure (flow void) in most cases.

  • If thrombosed or slow flow, the signal may be isointense or slightly hyperintense relative to muscle.

  • May enhance following contrast administration (T1+C) if there is slow flow or pathologic process.

MRI images

Posterior Auricular Vein MRI images