Ethnic Influence on Internal Jugular Vein Diameter: A Comparative Ultrasonographic Study Between Turkish Citizens and Syrian Refugee-Migrant Adults

AbstractPurpose: This study aimed to investigate differences in internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter between adult Turkish citizens and Syrian refugee-migrant individuals, considering variables such as ethnicity, age, gender, body position, anatomical side (right/left), and the Valsalva maneuver.Methods: A total of 156 volunteers (80 Turkish citizens, 76 Syrian refugee-migrant) with no history of neck masses, surgery, or trauma were evaluated between September 2022 and September 2023. Bilateral IJV diameters were measured via ultrasonography at the level of the cricoid cartilage, both at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver, using a 7 MHz linear transducer.Results: The mean age of the Syrian group was significantly lower than that of the Turkish group. No gender-based differences in IJV diameter were observed. However, IJV diameter increased with age (particularly over 50 years), and right-sided measurements were consistently larger than left-sided ones. Turkish participants exhibited greater IJV diameters across all parameters, with statistically significant differences identified in four out of eight measurements.Conclusion: Ethnicity, age, and anatomical side significantly influence IJV diameter. This study offers novel insights into racial variations in IJV size and demonstrates the need for accurate ultrasonographic evaluation to reduce procedural risks in central venous interventions.