A Rare Asymmetrical Enlargement of the Anterior Jugular Vein Involving COVID-19
Nguyen J, Bharadwaj K, Aboukhalil D, Ramsamooj A, Uy K-L, Chang S, Rodgers L, and Ahmed M
The anterior jugular vein (AJV) is a superficial and symmetrical structure in the neck. Anatomical
variations can occur and are usually notable due to their clinical significance particularly in the context
of systemic conditions such as COVID-19. A case of a 82-year-old female cadaver who exhibited a rare
asymmetrical enlargement of the left AJV was presented. The patient’s cause of death was attributed
to COVID-19 complications and acute respiratory distress. While the left AJV was significantly larger
than the right, there was no corresponding enlargement of the internal and/or external jugular veins.
Although venous thromboembolisms are commonly documented in COVID-19 cases, they usually
present in deep veins, highlighting the unusual nature of this presentation. The findings from this case
highlight the need to further investigate and understand COVID-19 related vascular anomalies, which
could provide insight to underlying systemic or vascular diseases.
