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Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Chiari network diagnosis intraoperative based on echocardiography
E L Rojas-Díaz1, O I Vásquez-Gómez2, W F Amaya-Zuñiga3
1Servicio de Medicina Crítica y Cuidado Intensivo, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia.
Insights
A rare congenital remnant, the Chiari network, may cause intraoperative supraventricular tachycardia and hemodynamic collapse. Diagnostic analysis identified this cardiac abnormality, ruling out other common causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Congenital Heart Abnormalities
Background:
- Intraoperative hemodynamic instability can arise from various causes, including undiagnosed congenital cardiac anomalies.
- The Chiari network is a rare remnant of fetal circulation, typically asymptomatic.
Observation:
- A case of intraoperative supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with significant hemodynamic compromise was observed.
- Diagnostic workup during surgery focused on identifying cardiac abnormalities, specifically congenital remnants.
Findings:
- The Chiari network was identified as the likely cause of the intraoperative SVT and potential cardiac flow obstruction.
- This congenital remnant was differentiated from more common causes of intraoperative hemodynamic alterations.
Implications:
- Recognizing the Chiari network as a potential cause of intraoperative SVT is crucial for surgical management.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in the differential diagnosis of intraoperative complications.
Abstract:
We report a case of a Chiari network as a possible cause of intraoperative supraventricular tachycardia with potential cardiac flow obstruction and hemodynamic collapse. The intraoperative diagnostic analysis considered detects cardiac abnormalities associated to this congenital remnant and discard common intraoperative causes of hemodynamic alterations.
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