Chiari Network as a Cause of Fetal and Neonatal Pathology

Chiari’s Network as a Cause of Fetal and Neonatal Pathology
Fatiha Bendadi • David A. van Tijn • Lou Pistorius • Matthias W. Freund

Keywords Additional heart sound  Chiari’s network 
Congenital heart disease  Fetal hydrops

Received: 17 June 2011 / Accepted: 26 August 2011

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The Author(s) 2011. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com

Chiari’s Network as a Cause of Fetal and Neonatal PathologyAbstract Chiari’s network is a remnant of the eustachian valve located in the right atrium.

ABSTRACT
Chiari’s Network as a Cause of Fetal and Neonatal PathologyAbstract Chiari’s network is a remnant of the eustachian valve located in the right atrium. Incomplete involution of the fetal sinus venosus valves results in ‘‘redundant’’ Chiari’s network, which may compromise cardiovascular function. This report describes a case with the novel finding of prenatal compromise due to redundant Chiari’s network and an uncommon case with significant postnatal symptoms. In both cases, the symptoms (fetal hydrops and postnatal cyanosis) resolved spontaneously. The variety of cardiovascular pathologies described in the literature is believed to be associated with persistence of a Chiari network. Knowledge about this not always harmless structure is important for perinatologists, pediatricians, and pediatric cardiologists alike. The clinical importance of this rare
pathology is that prenatal counseling may anticipate a generally positive outcome and that surgical intervention generally should be avoided.

Received: 17 June 2011 / Accepted: 26 August 2011
The Author(s) 2011. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com