The Eustachian valve in pulmonary embolism: rescue or perilous?
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.
De Keyser
Jan L C
JL
University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Cardiology Department, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. jan.dekeyser@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Herregods
Marie-Christine
MC
Dujardin
Karl
K
Mullens
Wilfried
W
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*