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Correspondence to Author: Adilson J.M. de Oliveira ^1,2, Mario Gilberto Siqueira ³ , Lissa Éllen Pereira Sousa ⁴ , Pedro Gonçalves Alcantara ⁵ ; Pedro Lucas Carneiro Ferreira⁵. 

1. CEDUMED Department, Agostinho Neto University Medical School, Luanda, Angola
2. Neurosurgery Discipline, Jean Piaget University Medical School, Luanda, Angola
3. Peripheral Nerves Surgery Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
4. Anhembi Morumbi University Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
5. Caxias do Sul University Medical School, Rio Grande do Sul, Angola

DOI: 10.52338/tjoa.2026.5348

Abstract:

Background: The thoracic duct (TD) is the largest lymphatic vessel responsible for returning lymph and chyle to the venous system. Its terminal anatomy shows notable variability, which has clinical implications for surgeries and interventions in the cervical and thoracic regions.
Objective: To systematically review anatomical studies on the terminal portion of the TD, identifying and categorizing variations in its termination site
Methods: A systematic review of nine anatomical studies involving 406 human cadavers was conducted. Data on the TD termination sites were extracted and analyzed to assess variability and prevalence
Results: The venous angle, defined as the junction of the left internal jugular and subclavian veins, was the most frequent termination site, observed in approximately 63% of cases. The left internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein were less commonly reported as termination sites, accounting for 18% and 2% of cases, respectively. The remaining cases showed a variety of anatomical variations or lacked a clear dominant pattern.
Conclusion: Significant variability exists in the terminal anatomy of the TD, emphasizing the need for clinicians to be aware of these differences to reduce surgical risks. Further research with larger samples and modern techniques is warranted to enhance anatomical understanding and improve clinical outcomes

Keywords: Thoracic Duct; Anatomy; anatomical variations;

Citation:

Dr. Adilson J.M. de Oliveira, Anatomic Variations of Terminal Portion of Thoracic Duct: A Systematic Review.The Journal of Anatomy 2026.