Superior Thyroid Vein

vena thyroidea superior

The superior thyroid vein accompanies the superior thyroid artery and drains the upper pole of the thyroid gland into the internal jugular vein or occasionally into the facial vein at the level of the hyoid bone. It is one of three named thyroid veins (superior, middle, inferior) and is the most consistently present and surgically important during thyroid upper pole ligation.

Region: Neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The superior thyroid vein is ligated early in thyroidectomy during upper pole dissection: controlling the superior thyroid artery and vein together at the upper pole prevents bleeding from the superior thyroid pedicle. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve runs adjacent to the superior thyroid vessels and must be identified before ligation to prevent denervation of the cricothyroid muscle and loss of high-pitched phonation. In large goitres extending retrosteronally, the superior thyroid vein may be the most accessible vascular structure for initial control.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Superior Thyroid Vein Ligation During Upper Pole Dissection

Thyroidectomy upper pole dissection requires ligation of the superior thyroid vein alongside the superior thyroid artery before the superior pole can be freed; the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve must be identified medial to the vessels and preserved before mass ligation of the superior thyroid pedicle.