Copyright © 2005, The European Society of Cardiology
The Eustachian valve in pulmonary embolism: Rescue or perilous?
University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Cardiology Department, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Received 8 March 2005; received in revised form 13 June 2005; accepted after revision 30 June 2005.
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +32 16 34 42 49. jan.dekeyser{at}uz.kuleuven.ac.be
| Abstract |
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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.
Keywords: Eustachian valve; Patent foramen ovale; Floating right heart thrombus