A Rare Asymmetrical Enlargement of the Anterior Jugular Vein Involving COVID-19

Abstract

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