High bilateral fenestration of the internal jugular vein

Duplications and fenestrations of the internal jugular vein (IJV) are rare anatomic variations. There were previously found mostly unilateral fenestrated internal jugular veins, either empty, or traversed by the spinal accessory nerves. It was documented the computed tomography angiogram of a 65 year-old female patient and bilateral high fenestrations of the IJVs were found. On both sides, the superior ends of the fenestrations were in the jugular foramina. On the right side the fenestration had 3.8 cm length and was located in front of the transverse processes of the first two cervical vertebrae. On the opposite side the fenestration had 1.5 cm length and was antero-lateral to the transverse process of the atlas vertebra. On both sides the antero-medial arms of the fenestrations received the inferior petrosal sinuses and anterior condylar veins. Such highly placed fenestrations of the IJVs should be carefully documented either preoperatively, or prior to central venous access.