Right internal jugular vein venography in infants and children

We obtained venograms of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) in 105 infants and children with congenital heart disease during cardiac catheterization. No major anomalies were found in the course of the RIJV. The diameter of the RIJV tended to increase with the patient's age, weight, and height. However, some disproportionately small vessels were seen in 8% of the patients. The depth from the skin to the RIJV varied from 2.5 to 20 nun and did not significantly correlate with age, weight, or height. Confirmation of the diameter or the depth of the RIJV by venography may facilitate clinical decisions and maybe useful for performing percutaneous cannulation.