External jugular vein is one among the most variable veins of the neck. Though it doesn’t have a specific way of formation, in most of the individuals it is formed by the union of posterior division of retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein. It runs down vertically in the superficial facia of the neck and pierces the investing layer of deep cervical fascia just above the middle of the clavicle and terminates into the subclavian vein. Its tributaries include the posterior external jugular, anterior jugular, suprascapular and transverse cervical veins. External jugular vein is used to assess the right atrial pressure as this vein does not possess any valves. The vein may be entirely absent unilaterally or bilaterally [1], duplicated [2], or fenestrated [3]. Apart from this, many variations in its origin, course and termination have been reported. Reported variations about its formation include formation by union of both divisions of retromandibular vein with facial vein [4], by the union of superficial temporal vein with the posterior auricular vein [5], and by the union of submandibular, facial, anterior jugular and both divisions of retromandibular vein [6]. Variations that have been reported about the termination of the external jugular vein include termination of the vein of one side into the subclavian vein of opposite side [7], or by formation of a jugulocephalic vein after receiving the cephalic vein [8]. We report a rare, terminal bifurcation of the external jugular vein here. This report could be useful to plastic surgeons and head and neck surgeons.

During or dissection classes for medical undergraduates, we found an unilateral variation in the formation and termination of the external jugular vein in an adult male cadaver aged 75 years. The external jugular vein of left side was only 3 inches long. It was formed in the posterior triangle of the neck, by the union of entire retromandibular vein and the posterior auricular vein. The retromandibular vein received the facial vein just below the angle of the mandible and continued down to meet the posterior auricular vein at middle of the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. One inch above the clavicle, it bifurcated into a medial and a lateral division. The medial division received a common vein formed by the union of anterior jugular vein and an anonymous vein lying deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The lateral division received a common vein formed by the union of suprascapular and transverse cervical veins. The medial division terminated by opening into the internal jugular vein and the lateral division terminated into the subclavian vein. The variations are shown in the Figs. 1, 2.

Variations in the termination of the external jugular vein are less common compared to the formation. Knowledge of these variations is of paramount importance in various disciplines of medicine. Several cases of duplication and fenestration of the external jugular vein have been reported. In one of the latest reports [9], the external jugular vein duplicated but reunited before the termination. In another recent study, the external jugular vein united with common facial vein in the lower part of the neck to form a jugulo-facial venous circle [10]. Although both external and internal jugular veins can be palpated, external jugular vein is a reliable vein for central venous pressure assessment as it is superficial and easily visible [11]. External jugular vein is also used in diagnostic and treatment procedures through cannulation [6]. External jugular vein is one of the veins used as a recipient vessel for venous outflow in free flap head and neck reconstruction [12]. In neck dissections, preservation of the external jugular vein reduces postoperative edema of the face and neck and it could be utilized for anastomosis in reconstructive microsurgery in cases requiring resection of the internal jugular vein [13]. The superficial veins of the head and neck develop from the superficial plexus of capillaries found in the neck region. During the process of development, dilation of individual capillaries or the confluence of adjacent ones happens. Regression of some veins and diversion of the flow from one to other too can happen. However, these obvious factors are not yet completely understood [14].

Knowledge about the current variation could be useful for the surgeons free flap neck reconstruction surgeries. The external jugular vein is one of the preferable routes compared to cubital veins in emergencies due to more rapid circulation time to heart and faster cardiac responses. However, a variation such as the current one might complicate the procedure due to the terminal bifurcation of the vein. Catheterisation through internal jugular vein in a case like the current one could be difficult due to the termination of the medial division of external jugular vein into the internal jugular vein at the root of the neck.

In conclusion, this case describes an extremely rare type of termination of the external jugular vein. Terminal bifurcation of the external jugular veins is one of the rarest variations. The knowledge of this variation is of importance in radiological and surgical procedures.