Open AccessA nonfatal massive pulmonary embolism in a very old patient: The protective filter-effect of the Chiari Network
Author(s) -
Andrea Sonaglioni,
Gian Luigi Nicolosi,
Michele Lombardo,
Claudio Anzà
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular echography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.255
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2347-193X
pISSN - 2211-4122
DOI - 10.4103/jcecho.jcecho_65_18
Subject(s) - medicine , thrombus , pulmonary embolism , cardiology , right atrium , radiology
The Chiari network, a net-like structure within the right atrium, has been described as an embryonic remnant of no clinical significance. Its role in facilitating paradoxical arterial embolic events and as a potential site for thrombus formation has been reported in the literature. This case illustrates the protective filter-effect of the Chiari network in a 92-year-old women who presented with the clinical signs and symptoms of acute cor pulmonale. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large, S-shaped, and extremely mobile right atrial thrombus within the Chiari network. Here, the authors describe how the Chiari network may have prevented the occurrence of a fatal pulmonary embolism acting as a protective factor.