The Eustachian valve in pulmonary embolism: rescue or perilous?

Jan L C De Keyser; Marie-Christine Herregods; Karl Dujardin; Wilfried Mullens

doi:10.1016/j.euje.2005.06.011

The Eustachian valve in pulmonary embolism: rescue or perilous?

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2006 Aug;7(4):336-8. doi: 10.1016/j.euje.2005.06.011. Epub 2005 Aug 10.

Authors

Jan L C De Keyser¹, Marie-Christine Herregods, Karl Dujardin, Wilfried Mullens

Affiliation

¹ University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Cardiology Department, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. jan.dekeyser@uz.kuleuven.ac.be

PMID: 16095974
DOI: 10.1016/j.euje.2005.06.011

Abstract

This case illustrates the Eustachian valve as an ambiguous entity. By tethering a thrombus the valve prevented a major pulmonary embolism. However, in combination with a patent foramen ovale, it directs the thrombus into the left atrium, creating a threat for systemic embolisms.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Echocardiography, Transesophageal
Female
Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / complications
Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / diagnostic imaging*
Humans
Ovarian Neoplasms / complications
Pulmonary Embolism*
Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities*