Cervical venous hum

Cervical venous hum Brief Review Abstract: Cervical venous hum is a continuous murmur heard over the internal jugular vein, due to partial compression by transverse process of atlas. It is common in children with anemia. Cervical venous hum is a continuous murmur heard over the internal jugular veins. It is thought to be produced by the partial compression of the internal jugular vein by the transverse process of the atlas as well by the effect of gravity. It is more common on the right side because the right internal jugular vein and brachiocephalic vein has straight access to the superior vena cava so that the flow velocity is higher on the right side. The cervical venous hum is obliterated by manual compression of the internal jugular vein, Valsalva manoeuvre and the supine position. On the contrary, it increases on assuming the upright posture and during inspiration. The cervical venous hum is louder in diastole due to the rapid atrial filling. Cervical venous hum is a fairly common finding in children. Conditions causing hyperkinetic circulation like anemia, pregnancy and thyrotoxicosis may make the venous hum more prominent. The venous hum has a plateau shape in systole and a crescendo-decrescendo shape in diastole. It is better heard in the right supraclavicular fossa, with the bell of the stethoscope and the patient looking to the left side. Intensity will decrease if the person turns his chin towards the side of auscultation. Cervical venous hum is the most common c...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs