title: The Eustachian valve in pulmonary embolism: rescue or perilous?
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.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Cardiology Department, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. jan.dekeyser@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
authors.forename: Jan L C
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: De Keyser
authors.forename: Marie-Christine
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Herregods
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dujardin
authors.forename: Wilfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mullens
mesh_terms: D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000002:abnormalities*