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Suprascapular vein

The suprascapular vein is a paired venous structure that accompanies the suprascapular artery in the suprascapular region. It typically drains blood from the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, the scapular region, and adjacent soft tissues. The vein courses superior to the transverse scapular ligament (opposite the artery, which usually runs beneath it), passes laterally along the suprascapular notch, and joins the external jugular vein or, less commonly, the subclavian vein.

There are usually two suprascapular veins (venae comitantes), which run parallel to the artery and converge near the base of the neck. These veins form part of the scapular venous anastomotic network, connecting with the circumflex scapular and dorsal scapular veins, which provide important collateral circulation between the subclavian and axillary systems.

The suprascapular vein is clinically significant in neck dissections, clavicular surgery, venous thrombosis, and vascular access procedures. Its variations may complicate surgical approaches to the lower neck or supraclavicular fossa.

Synonyms

  • Vena suprascapularis

  • Suprascapular venous plexus

  • Companion vein of the suprascapular artery

Function

  • Drains blood from the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles

  • Collects venous return from the suprascapular and scapular region

  • Contributes to venous anastomoses of the shoulder girdle

  • Connects the external jugular, axillary, and subclavian venous systems

Tributaries

  • Muscular veins from supraspinatus and infraspinatus

  • Venous branches from scapular anastomoses (dorsal scapular and circumflex scapular veins)

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Appears as a signal void (black lumen) coursing with the suprascapular artery above the transverse scapular ligament

  • Surrounded by fat planes that provide contrast

T2-weighted images:

  • Vein lumen remains a flow void

  • Thrombosis or slow flow may appear intermediate to hyperintense

STIR:

  • Suppresses fat to better define the venous course in the supraclavicular fossa

  • Highlights edema or inflammation around the vein

T1 Post-Gadolinium (Gd-enhanced MRI):

  • Vein enhances brightly and homogeneously

  • Useful for mapping venous anatomy and detecting filling defects from thrombus

MRA (MR Venography):

  • Contrast-enhanced MRV delineates the origin, course, and drainage into external jugular or subclavian veins

  • Identifies venous stenosis, thrombosis, or anomalous drainage

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Vein is difficult to visualize directly, appearing as a small tubular soft-tissue density in the supraclavicular region

CT Post-Contrast (CT Venography):

  • Vein enhances brightly as it courses from the suprascapular notch toward the neck veins

  • Multiplanar reconstructions demonstrate anatomical relations with clavicle, subclavian vein, and external jugular vein

  • Critical for differentiating dilated suprascapular vein from lymph nodes or soft-tissue masses

  • Useful in surgical planning, trauma evaluation, and venous mapping

CT Image

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MRI image

Suprascapular vein axial cross sectional anatomy 3T MRI AI enhanced radiology image-img-00000-00000

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Suprascapular vein ct axial

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Suprascapular vein ct