UNILATERAL VARIATION IN THE COURSE AND TERMINATION OF SMALL SAPHENOUS VEIN: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Sulochana Sakthivel, M. S. (Anatomy)* and Dr. Suman Verma, M. D. (Anatomy)

ABSTRACT

Variant anatomy of the superficial veins of the lower limb is clinically important in the management of chronic venous disease. The superficial veins are commonly accessed for intravenous cannulation and for coronary bypass grafts. In majority of the limbs, small saphenous vein opens into the popliteal vein. A variation in the termination of right small saphenous vein was observed in a male cadaver. The origin and course of the small saphenous vein in the leg was normal. However, the vein extended cranially and deep into posterior compartment of the thigh, without any communication with the popliteal vein. It pierced the adductor magnus muscle to drain into the femoral vein in the anterior compartment of the thigh. The high level of termination of small saphenous vein would make its exposure difficult during surgery for varicose veins. The occurrence of high termination can be determined by Doppler studies. It is hereby relevant for radiologists and surgeons to be aware of such variation.

Keywords: Small saphenous vein, Great saphenous vein, Femoral vein.