Where can the Chiari network be located?

The Chiari network is a remnant of the embryonic development of the heart and is typically located in the right atrium. It consists of a web-like structure of fibrous tissue that is found attached to the inferior vena cava. This structure is a variation that is seen in some individuals and is not considered a pathological finding; rather, it is a normal anatomical variant.

The location of the Chiari network in the right atrium is significant in echocardiography and other forms of imaging, as it can sometimes be mistaken for a thrombus or other abnormal structures. Understanding its position and appearance is important for accurate diagnosis and to avoid misinterpretation during cardiac imaging. Recognizing the Chiari network during an echocardiographic examination can help delineate normal variations in cardiac anatomy and improve the overall assessment of the cardiac chambers.