Prominent Eustachian Valve in Newborns: A Report of Four Cases

Abstract

The Eustachian valve (EV) is an embryological remnant of the inferior vena cava that during fetal life helps divert oxygenated blood from the IVC toward the foramen ovale to escape the pulmonary circulation. This remnant usually regresses after birth and is considered a benign finding in the majority of cases. However, EV can lead to complications in the neonatal period or later in life. In this short case series, we present four newborn infants with prominent EV who were symptomatic after birth and required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Thoracic Osteomyelitis and Eustachian Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…The EV functions in-utero to direct vital oxygenated blood from the IVC to the foramen ovale and then to the left atrium. After birth and closure of the foramen ovale, the EV regresses, but this regression is variable and can lead to a remnant of the valve located on the superior aspect of the IVC [15,16]. The remnant is normally of little clinical significance [16].…”

“…After birth and closure of the foramen ovale, the EV regresses, but this regression is variable and can lead to a remnant of the valve located on the superior aspect of the IVC [15,16]. The remnant is normally of little clinical significance [16]. However, in the presence of bacteremia, the abnormality can contribute to progressive nidus formation and persistent systemic spread.…”

Thoracic osteomyelitis and eustachian valve endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature

“…The eustachian valve functions inutero to direct vital oxygenated blood from the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the foramen ovale and then to the left atrium. After birth and closure of the foramen ovale, the eustachian valve regresses, but this regression is variable and can lead to a remnant of the valve located on the superior aspect of the IVC [15,16]. The remnant is normally of little clinical significance [16,17].…”

Postnatal Amelioration of Fetal Right Ventricular Hypoplasia Associated with Large Eustachian Valve: A Case Report

“…However, there are several reports showing that a large Eustachian valve induces cyanosis via right-to-left shunt at the FO level after birth. 1 2 3 8 Right-to-left shunt via the FO seems to be mediated by a large Eustachian valve and causes reductions in RV inflow. Such dynamics were demonstrated by vector flow mapping 9 during the early neonatal period with a right-to-left shunt via the FO ( Fig.…”

“…However, after birth, an excessively large Eustachian valve can induce cyanosis due to a right-to-left shunt via the FO. 1 2 3 In addition, an association between a large Eustachian valve and right ventricular (RV) hypoplasia has been suggested in the literature. 4 5 Currently, however, detailed observation and follow-up of such fetal cases have not been reported.…”