Pub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.04.001
M. Meijer , H. Aupperle-Lellbach , D. Willems , M. Dirven
A 10-week-old female Oriental shorthair was referred due to stunted growth, weight loss, dyspnea, and reduced activity levels compared to her littermates. Thoracic radiography revealed a markedly enlarged cardiac silhouette and a diffuse unstructured interstitial pulmonary pattern, presumably due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Echocardiography showed marked left- and right-sided ventricular dilation, decreased contractility, and enlargement of both atria, without any identifiable congenital defects. Pleural and peritoneal effusion were also present. Based on these findings, a presumptive diagnosis of both left- and right-sided congestive heart failure due to a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype was made. Cardiovascular pathological examination confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Additionally, mild interstitial myocardial fibrosis was present in the left ventricle, both atria, the interventricular septum, and, to a minimal extent, in the right ventricle. Moderate endocardial fibrosis was observed in the left atrium and left atrial appendage, while mild endocardial fibrosis was present in the left ventricle. Both antemortem and postmortem evaluations did not provide clear evidence of the underlying cause. Therefore, we consider this a rare case of feline juvenile idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with secondary reactive endocardial and myocardial fibrosis.
{"title":"Dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype in a 10-week-old Oriental shorthair kitten","authors":"M. Meijer , H. Aupperle-Lellbach , D. Willems , M. Dirven","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 10-week-old female Oriental shorthair was referred due to stunted growth, weight loss, dyspnea, and reduced activity levels compared to her littermates. Thoracic radiography revealed a markedly enlarged cardiac silhouette and a diffuse unstructured interstitial pulmonary pattern, presumably due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Echocardiography showed marked left- and right-sided ventricular dilation, decreased contractility, and enlargement of both atria, without any identifiable congenital defects. Pleural and peritoneal effusion were also present. Based on these findings, a presumptive diagnosis of both left- and right-sided congestive heart failure due to a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype was made. Cardiovascular pathological examination confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Additionally, mild interstitial myocardial fibrosis was present in the left ventricle, both atria, the interventricular septum, and, to a minimal extent, in the right ventricle. Moderate endocardial fibrosis was observed in the left atrium and left atrial appendage, while mild endocardial fibrosis was present in the left ventricle. Both antemortem and postmortem evaluations did not provide clear evidence of the underlying cause. Therefore, we consider this a rare case of feline juvenile idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with secondary reactive endocardial and myocardial fibrosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 126-132"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.04.002
A.K. Masters , L. Brock , M.A. Tropf , A. Rendahl , S. Rogg , J.L. Ward
Introduction/Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic findings associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) manifestation type in cats and to assess impact on the risk of CHF recurrence and survival.
Animals, Materials and Methods
A retrospective medical record review of 135 cats with CHF was conducted. Cats were grouped based on CHF manifestation type. Associations between CHF manifestation and clinical and echocardiographic variables were assessed using a Fisher's test and analysis of variance. Comparisons between CHF manifestations were performed using a pairwise Fisher's test with Bonferroni-Holm adjustment and Tukey's honestly significant difference method after analysis of variance.
Results
Congestive heart failure manifestation was associated with sex (P=0.045), history of increased respiratory rate (P=0.006), effort (P=0.001), and signs of arterial thromboembolism (P=0.004). Significant differences between left atrium-to-aorta ratio (P=0.043), diastolic right ventricular internal dimension (P=0.001), systolic right ventricular internal dimension (P=0.015), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P=0.044), and presence of non-specific cardiomyopathy phenotype (P=0.001) were identified among CHF groups. Cats with ascites as their CHF manifestation had significantly higher median diastolic right ventricular internal dimension (9.9 mm) and systolic right ventricular internal dimension (6.6 mm) on pairwise comparison than cats with other CHF manifestations. Congestive heart failure manifestation did not have a statistically significant association with survival but did with time to CHF recurrence (P=0.008).
Study Limitations
Retrospective design, small sample size, and potential misclassification of CHF manifestation type are limitations of this study.
Conclusions
Congestive heart failure manifestation type is associated with various clinical and echocardiographic findings in cats with heart disease.
{"title":"Clinical and echocardiographic variables associated with the type of congestive heart failure manifestation in cats","authors":"A.K. Masters , L. Brock , M.A. Tropf , A. Rendahl , S. Rogg , J.L. Ward","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic findings associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) manifestation type in cats and to assess impact on the risk of CHF recurrence and survival.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>A retrospective medical record review of 135 cats with CHF was conducted. Cats were grouped based on CHF manifestation type. Associations between CHF manifestation and clinical and echocardiographic variables were assessed using a Fisher's test and analysis of variance. Comparisons between CHF manifestations were performed using a pairwise Fisher's test with Bonferroni-Holm adjustment and Tukey's honestly significant difference method after analysis of variance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Congestive heart failure manifestation was associated with sex (P=0.045), history of increased respiratory rate (P=0.006), effort (P=0.001), and signs of arterial thromboembolism (P=0.004). Significant differences between left atrium-to-aorta ratio (P=0.043), diastolic right ventricular internal dimension (P=0.001), systolic right ventricular internal dimension (P=0.015), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P=0.044), and presence of non-specific cardiomyopathy phenotype (P=0.001) were identified among CHF groups. Cats with ascites as their CHF manifestation had significantly higher median diastolic right ventricular internal dimension (9.9 mm) and systolic right ventricular internal dimension (6.6 mm) on pairwise comparison than cats with other CHF manifestations. Congestive heart failure manifestation did not have a statistically significant association with survival but did with time to CHF recurrence (P=0.008).</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>Retrospective design, small sample size, and potential misclassification of CHF manifestation type are limitations of this study.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Congestive heart failure manifestation type is associated with various clinical and echocardiographic findings in cats with heart disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 114-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.010
K. Kadowaki , N. Miyashita , K. Nakamura , T. Mori
A 10-month-old, 1.2- kg, unspayed female Maltese dog presented with the chief complaint of a heart murmur. Echocardiography revealed a transpulmonary velocity of 5.28 m/s (estimated pressure gradient: 112 mmHg) and severe pulmonary valve stenosis with an estimated pulmonary valve annulus diameter of 7.2 mm. Given the dog's small size, a balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty via the femoral vein was considered. The pulmonary valve annulus was dilated thrice using a 10-mm balloon (balloon-to-annulus ratio: 1.39). After the balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, right ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 125 to 78 mmHg. The interventional procedure was completed without serious complications. As of postoperative day 149, the maximum transpulmonary velocity decreased to 2.43 m/s (estimated pressure gradient: 24 mmHg), recurrence of pulmonary valve stenosis was not observed, and the patient was doing well clinically. In conclusion, an approach performed via the femoral vein in this 1.2-kg dog resulted in a successful procedure without significant complications.
{"title":"Transfemoral vein approach for balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in a 1.2- kg dog","authors":"K. Kadowaki , N. Miyashita , K. Nakamura , T. Mori","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 10-month-old, 1.2- kg, unspayed female Maltese dog presented with the chief complaint of a heart murmur. Echocardiography revealed a transpulmonary velocity of 5.28 m/s (estimated pressure gradient: 112 mmHg) and severe pulmonary valve stenosis with an estimated pulmonary valve annulus diameter of 7.2 mm. Given the dog's small size, a balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty via the femoral vein was considered. The pulmonary valve annulus was dilated thrice using a 10-mm balloon (balloon-to-annulus ratio: 1.39). After the balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, right ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 125 to 78 mmHg. The interventional procedure was completed without serious complications. As of postoperative day 149, the maximum transpulmonary velocity decreased to 2.43 m/s (estimated pressure gradient: 24 mmHg), recurrence of pulmonary valve stenosis was not observed, and the patient was doing well clinically. In conclusion, an approach performed via the femoral vein in this 1.2-kg dog resulted in a successful procedure without significant complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 133-138"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143885939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.009
G. Romito, C. Mazzoldi, M. Di Benedetto, S. Sabattini
An 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel with a previous diagnosis of preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) was presented with respiratory distress and abdominal distension. Lung edema and ascites were diagnosed. Echocardiography revealed a progression of the MMVD as it was associated with a moderate enlargement of the left-sided cardiac chambers and an atrial septal defect (ASD). The latter was hypothesized to be primarily due to a rupture of the interatrial septum caused by MMVD. Moreover, a hyperechoic irregular mass was documented inside the left atrium. At that time, the primary differential diagnosis included intracardiac thrombosis (ICT) and mural endocarditis. Comprehensive diagnostic tests subsequently ruled out extracardiac prothrombotic triggers; moreover, both blood and urine cultures tested negative. Despite the administration of cardiac and supportive therapies (including antithrombotic drugs), the dog died 138 days after presentation. Necropsy confirmed the presence of MMVD (type IV lesions according to Pomerance and Whitney's classification system) associated with remodeling of the left-sided cardiac chambers, multiple left atrial (LA) jet lesions, and ASD. Endocarditis was ruled out, and the LA mass was demonstrated to be an ICT entrapped in the ASD. In light of premortem and postmortem findings, the turbulent blood flow secondary to the mitral valve insufficiency and ASD, along with the extensive LA endothelial damage, were considered likely triggering factors for the development of ICT. This case suggests that, although ICT represents an extremely rare complication of cardiac diseases in dogs, it can potentially develop when canine MMVD is particularly advanced.
{"title":"Left atrial thrombosis in a dog with advanced myxomatous mitral valve disease","authors":"G. Romito, C. Mazzoldi, M. Di Benedetto, S. Sabattini","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel with a previous diagnosis of preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) was presented with respiratory distress and abdominal distension. Lung edema and ascites were diagnosed. Echocardiography revealed a progression of the MMVD as it was associated with a moderate enlargement of the left-sided cardiac chambers and an atrial septal defect (ASD). The latter was hypothesized to be primarily due to a rupture of the interatrial septum caused by MMVD. Moreover, a hyperechoic irregular mass was documented inside the left atrium. At that time, the primary differential diagnosis included intracardiac thrombosis (ICT) and mural endocarditis. Comprehensive diagnostic tests subsequently ruled out extracardiac prothrombotic triggers; moreover, both blood and urine cultures tested negative. Despite the administration of cardiac and supportive therapies (including antithrombotic drugs), the dog died 138 days after presentation. Necropsy confirmed the presence of MMVD (type IV lesions according to Pomerance and Whitney's classification system) associated with remodeling of the left-sided cardiac chambers, multiple left atrial (LA) jet lesions, and ASD. Endocarditis was ruled out, and the LA mass was demonstrated to be an ICT entrapped in the ASD. In light of premortem and postmortem findings, the turbulent blood flow secondary to the mitral valve insufficiency and ASD, along with the extensive LA endothelial damage, were considered likely triggering factors for the development of ICT. This case suggests that, although ICT represents an extremely rare complication of cardiac diseases in dogs, it can potentially develop when canine MMVD is particularly advanced.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 93-97"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143873758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.008
T. Wada , A. Fujiwara , Y. Miki , M. Ohashi , S. Kawamoto , R. Takemura , H. Yotsuida , T. Mori
A two-year-old intact male British shorthair cat, weighing 4.6 kg, was referred for surgical correction of a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The cat was treated with pimobendan, amlodipine, furosemide, and clopidogrel for tachypnea, and no other clinical signs of cardiac disease were observed. Physical examination revealed heart murmurs. Radiographic and echocardiographic evaluations indicated generalized cardiomegaly and left atrial enlargement. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a large left-to-right shunt through a 5.8-mm perimembranous VSD with a septal aneurysm. The pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio was 3.3, indicating a significant volume overload. Surgical correction was performed via a right ventricular outflow tract incision under cardiopulmonary bypass using an 8-mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch to close the VSD. Postoperatively, the cat had sporadic premature ventricular contractions but recovered without major complications. At one year postoperatively, the cat showed improved activity levels and no residual shunt flow and required no medication. This report demonstrates the feasibility of patch closure for membranous VSDs in cats through a right ventricular outflow tract incision and highlights the need for further studies to assess its effectiveness.
{"title":"Surgical correction of ventricular septal defect in a cat","authors":"T. Wada , A. Fujiwara , Y. Miki , M. Ohashi , S. Kawamoto , R. Takemura , H. Yotsuida , T. Mori","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A two-year-old intact male British shorthair cat, weighing 4.6 kg, was referred for surgical correction of a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The cat was treated with pimobendan, amlodipine, furosemide, and clopidogrel for tachypnea, and no other clinical signs of cardiac disease were observed. Physical examination revealed heart murmurs. Radiographic and echocardiographic evaluations indicated generalized cardiomegaly and left atrial enlargement. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a large left-to-right shunt through a 5.8-mm perimembranous VSD with a septal aneurysm. The pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio was 3.3, indicating a significant volume overload. Surgical correction was performed via a right ventricular outflow tract incision under cardiopulmonary bypass using an 8-mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch to close the VSD. Postoperatively, the cat had sporadic premature ventricular contractions but recovered without major complications. At one year postoperatively, the cat showed improved activity levels and no residual shunt flow and required no medication. This report demonstrates the feasibility of patch closure for membranous VSDs in cats through a right ventricular outflow tract incision and highlights the need for further studies to assess its effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 139-144"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143907888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.006
N. Schreiber , F. Prisco , A. Kipar , L. Schurna , M. Tursi , M.B. Toaldo
Introduction/objectives
Feline valvular mitral stenosis (VMS) is uncommonly reported. The aim of this study was to describe diagnostic and clinicopathological characteristics of VMS in adult cats.
Animals, Materials and Methods
Eighteen client-owned cats were included in this study. A retrospective observational study. Clinical records were searched based on echocardiography. Data regarding clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic findings, outcome, and, in four cats, gross postmortem images of the heart were reviewed, and histological examinations performed.
Results
Most cats were non-pedigree (11/18), with a median age of 13.2 years. Congestive heart failure was common (15/18). Three cats had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype, including one with transient myocardial thickening. Concomitant hyperthyroidism (9/18) was frequent. In one cat, echocardiography performed one year earlier did not show any changes. Upon echocardiography, all 18 cats had characteristic hockey-stick appearance of the anterior leaflet and narrow turbulent diastolic flow across the mitral valve. Twelve cats had fused diastolic transmitral waves, with a median velocity of 0.54 m/s (0.71–3.24 m/s). The remaining six had a median peak velocity of the early and late-diastolic transmitral waves of 1.3 m/s (0.95–2.8 m/s) and 0.99 m/s (0.65–2.05 m/s), respectively. Eleven cats had died, 10 of cardiac death (median survival time: 366 days). Macroscopically, the mitral valve leaflets appeared thickened and distorted, and the surrounded ventricular endocardium thickened. Histology revealed marked endocardial fibrosis of the mitral valve and surrounding ventricular endocardium, dominated by type I collagen.
Conclusions
The most striking finding is the documented acquirement of VMS in one cat, while the acquired nature of the lesion could not be confirmed in the other cases. The pathological findings are compatible with a chronic remodeling process that results in marked endocardial fibrosis in four cats.
简介/目的猫二尖瓣狭窄(VMS)是罕见的报道。本研究的目的是描述成年猫VMS的诊断和临床病理特征。动物、材料和方法本研究共纳入18只客户养猫。回顾性观察性研究。根据超声心动图检索临床记录。我们回顾了4只猫的临床、实验室、超声心动图结果、结果以及大体死后心脏图像,并进行了组织学检查。结果大多数猫是非纯种猫(11/18),中位年龄为13.2岁。充血性心力衰竭较为常见(15/18)。三只猫有肥厚型心肌病表型,其中一只有短暂性心肌增厚。合并甲状腺功能亢进(9/18)较为常见。在一只猫中,一年前进行的超声心动图没有显示任何变化。超声心动图显示,所有18只猫的前小叶呈典型的曲棍球棒状,二尖瓣舒张血流狭窄。12只猫的舒张透射波融合,平均速度为0.54 m/s (0.71-3.24 m/s)。其余6例舒张早期和晚期透射波的中位峰值速度分别为1.3 m/s (0.95 ~ 2.8 m/s)和0.99 m/s (0.65 ~ 2.05 m/s)。11只猫死亡,10只心源性死亡(中位生存时间:366天)。宏观上,二尖瓣小叶增厚变形,周围心室心内膜增厚。组织学显示二尖瓣及周围心室心内膜明显纤维化,以I型胶原为主。结论最显著的发现是在1只猫中记录了VMS的获得性,而在其他病例中无法确认病变的获得性。病理结果与导致4只猫显著心内膜纤维化的慢性重塑过程相一致。
{"title":"Valvular mitral stenosis in adult cats: knowledge gained from the clinical and pathological workup of 18 cases","authors":"N. Schreiber , F. Prisco , A. Kipar , L. Schurna , M. Tursi , M.B. Toaldo","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/objectives</h3><div>Feline valvular mitral stenosis (VMS) is uncommonly reported. The aim of this study was to describe diagnostic and clinicopathological characteristics of VMS in adult cats.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Eighteen client-owned cats were included in this study. A retrospective observational study. Clinical records were searched based on echocardiography. Data regarding clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic findings, outcome, and, in four cats, gross postmortem images of the heart were reviewed, and histological examinations performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most cats were non-pedigree (11/18), with a median age of 13.2 years. Congestive heart failure was common (15/18). Three cats had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype, including one with transient myocardial thickening. Concomitant hyperthyroidism (9/18) was frequent. In one cat, echocardiography performed one year earlier did not show any changes. Upon echocardiography, all 18 cats had characteristic hockey-stick appearance of the anterior leaflet and narrow turbulent diastolic flow across the mitral valve. Twelve cats had fused diastolic transmitral waves, with a median velocity of 0.54 m/s (0.71–3.24 m/s). The remaining six had a median peak velocity of the early and late-diastolic transmitral waves of 1.3 m/s (0.95–2.8 m/s) and 0.99 m/s (0.65–2.05 m/s), respectively. Eleven cats had died, 10 of cardiac death (median survival time: 366 days). Macroscopically, the mitral valve leaflets appeared thickened and distorted, and the surrounded ventricular endocardium thickened. Histology revealed marked endocardial fibrosis of the mitral valve and surrounding ventricular endocardium, dominated by type I collagen.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The most striking finding is the documented acquirement of VMS in one cat, while the acquired nature of the lesion could not be confirmed in the other cases. The pathological findings are compatible with a chronic remodeling process that results in marked endocardial fibrosis in four cats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 98-113"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143873757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-29DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.007
C. Johannsen, F. Schneider, I. Maerz
Introduction/Objectives
Heart base tumors (HBTs) including chemodectomas are common in dogs, especially in brachycephalic breeds. These tumors are often incidental findings but can also lead to clinical signs from vascular obstruction, tumor invasion, pericardial effusion, or metastasis. This retrospective study describes clinical and imaging findings of HBTs in 32 French Bulldogs.
Animals, Materials and Methods
A review of medical records focused on French Bulldogs diagnosed with HBTs (April 2019 to October 2022) was conducted. Cases were divided into two groups: dogs with incidental HBTs (group 1) and dogs with clinical signs associated with HBTs (group 2). Collected data focused on clinical features and available diagnostic imaging.
Results
In group 1 dogs (n = 14), HBT was diagnosed incidentally; meanwhile, clinical signs in group 2 dogs (n = 18) included respiratory difficulties, syncope, and ascites with various combinations of serous cavity effusions evident in 13 dogs. Echocardiography of group 2 dogs frequently identified tumors obstructing the pulmonary trunk or its main branches. Some tumors invaded the atria. Median heart rate (138 vs. 156/mins), right atrial diameter (22.0 vs. 31.5 mm), and right ventricular-to-right atrial systolic pressure gradient (48 vs. 83 mm hg) were higher in the subset of group 2 dogs where these variables were measured (all P<0.05).
Study Limitations
The retrospective nature and absence of histopathology to confirm tumor type and autopsy findings are major limitations of the study.
Conclusions
Heart base tumors in French Bulldogs can vary in clinical presentation, severity, and imaging features. These tumors often cause vascular obstruction, tissue invasion, and cavitary effusions.
心基肿瘤(hbt)包括化学肿瘤在犬中很常见,特别是在短头犬中。这些肿瘤通常是偶然发现的,但也可导致血管阻塞、肿瘤侵袭、心包积液或转移等临床症状。本回顾性研究描述了32只法国斗牛犬HBTs的临床和影像学表现。动物、材料和方法对诊断为HBTs的法国斗牛犬(2019年4月至2022年10月)的医疗记录进行了回顾。病例分为两组:偶发HBTs犬(1组)和伴有HBTs临床症状的犬(2组)。收集的数据集中于临床特征和可用的诊断成像。结果1组14只犬偶然诊断为HBT;第2组(18只)的临床症状为呼吸困难、晕厥、腹水,其中13只伴有明显的浆液腔积液。2组超声心动图经常发现肿瘤阻塞肺干或其主要分支。一些肿瘤侵入心房。在测量这些变量时,2组狗的中位心率(138 vs 156/min)、右心房直径(22.0 vs 31.5 mm)和右心室至右心房收缩压梯度(48 vs 83 mm hg)更高(所有P<;0.05)。研究局限性:回顾性的性质和缺乏组织病理学来确认肿瘤类型和尸检结果是本研究的主要局限性。结论法国斗牛犬的心脏基底肿瘤在临床表现、严重程度和影像学特征上各不相同。这些肿瘤常引起血管阻塞、组织侵犯和腔内积液。
{"title":"Heart base tumors in French Bulldogs: a case series","authors":"C. Johannsen, F. Schneider, I. Maerz","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Heart base tumors (HBTs) including chemodectomas are common in dogs, especially in brachycephalic breeds. These tumors are often incidental findings but can also lead to clinical signs from vascular obstruction, tumor invasion, pericardial effusion, or metastasis. This retrospective study describes clinical and imaging findings of HBTs in 32 French Bulldogs.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>A review of medical records focused on French Bulldogs diagnosed with HBTs (April 2019 to October 2022) was conducted. Cases were divided into two groups: dogs with incidental HBTs (group 1) and dogs with clinical signs associated with HBTs (group 2). Collected data focused on clinical features and available diagnostic imaging.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In group 1 dogs (n = 14), HBT was diagnosed incidentally; meanwhile, clinical signs in group 2 dogs (n = 18) included respiratory difficulties, syncope, and ascites with various combinations of serous cavity effusions evident in 13 dogs. Echocardiography of group 2 dogs frequently identified tumors obstructing the pulmonary trunk or its main branches. Some tumors invaded the atria. Median heart rate (138 vs. 156/mins), right atrial diameter (22.0 vs. 31.5 mm), and right ventricular-to-right atrial systolic pressure gradient (48 vs. 83 mm hg) were higher in the subset of group 2 dogs where these variables were measured (all P<0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>The retrospective nature and absence of histopathology to confirm tumor type and autopsy findings are major limitations of the study.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Heart base tumors in French Bulldogs can vary in clinical presentation, severity, and imaging features. These tumors often cause vascular obstruction, tissue invasion, and cavitary effusions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 145-154"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143934993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-21DOI: 10.1016/S1760-2734(25)00019-0
{"title":"Journal title page and editorial board","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1760-2734(25)00019-0","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1760-2734(25)00019-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"58 ","pages":"Page i"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aortic valvar stenosis (AS) is an uncommon congenital defect in the dog, but when present, it can cause severe clinical signs including collapse and congestive heart failure. In human patients, AS is a common congenital defect that has been managed with balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). The objectives of this study were to describe the procedural details and retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of dogs with severe AS that underwent BAV.
Animals
Ten client-owned dogs diagnosed with severe AS.
Materials and Methods
Medical records and stored images from echocardiographic and angiographic examinations were reviewed from dogs that were diagnosed with severe AS and underwent BAV. The severity of velocity-derived maximal systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve and aortic insufficiency was assessed from transthoracic echocardiographic images before and after BAV. Procedural details from the BAV procedures including intra-operative complications, type and size of the balloon catheter used, and use of rapid right ventricular pacing were recorded.
Results
The median (range) age and weight at the time of BAV were 12 months (6–120 months) and 18.2 kg (4.8–33.0 kg), respectively. Most dogs had high-pressure balloon dilation catheters used (n = 6/10) during BAV, and the balloon diameter-to-aortic annular ratio was 1.03 ± 0.05 for all dogs. The maximal systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve decreased from 183.2 mmHg ± 74.6 before BAV to 97.4 mmHg ± 48.2 immediately after BAV (P<0.001). The severity of aortic insufficiency did not significantly worsen after BAV (P=0.25). The long-term impact of BAV on survival is unknown, and this could be considered a limitation of this study.
Study Limitations
This study describes the short-term effects of BAV for dogs with AS, and a lack of long-term follow-up may be considered a limitation.
Conclusions
Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for severe AS is tolerated in most dogs, and dogs with severe AS may benefit from transcatheter BAV.
{"title":"Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for congenital aortic valvar stenosis in 10 dogs","authors":"R.L. Winter , B.A. Scansen , K.L. Maneval , C.S. Ferrel , B.M. Potter , M.K. Ames , P.-T. Liao , S.W. Jung","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Aortic valvar stenosis (AS) is an uncommon congenital defect in the dog, but when present, it can cause severe clinical signs including collapse and congestive heart failure. In human patients, AS is a common congenital defect that has been managed with balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). The objectives of this study were to describe the procedural details and retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of dogs with severe AS that underwent BAV.</div></div><div><h3>Animals</h3><div>Ten client-owned dogs diagnosed with severe AS.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Medical records and stored images from echocardiographic and angiographic examinations were reviewed from dogs that were diagnosed with severe AS and underwent BAV. The severity of velocity-derived maximal systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve and aortic insufficiency was assessed from transthoracic echocardiographic images before and after BAV. Procedural details from the BAV procedures including intra-operative complications, type and size of the balloon catheter used, and use of rapid right ventricular pacing were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The median (range) age and weight at the time of BAV were 12 months (6–120 months) and 18.2 kg (4.8–33.0 kg), respectively. Most dogs had high-pressure balloon dilation catheters used (n = 6/10) during BAV, and the balloon diameter-to-aortic annular ratio was 1.03 ± 0.05 for all dogs. The maximal systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve decreased from 183.2 mmHg ± 74.6 before BAV to 97.4 mmHg ± 48.2 immediately after BAV (P<0.001). The severity of aortic insufficiency did not significantly worsen after BAV (P=0.25). The long-term impact of BAV on survival is unknown, and this could be considered a limitation of this study.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>This study describes the short-term effects of BAV for dogs with AS, and a lack of long-term follow-up may be considered a limitation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Balloon aortic valvuloplasty for severe AS is tolerated in most dogs, and dogs with severe AS may benefit from transcatheter BAV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 61-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143815914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-15DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.002
N. Kiessling , S. Rørvig , J. Häggström
Introduction/Objectives
Left ventricular bands (LVBs) are common in feline hearts. Their importance and general features are incompletely described. This study aimed to characterize LVBs in feline hearts based on anatomical location, quantity, histological features, and attachment sites.
Animals, Materials and Methods
Hearts from 78 domestic cats with or without heart disease were included in this study. Cardiac weight and dimensions were measured, and LVBs were categorized as singular bands or nets, with further characterization by location, length, appearance, and histological examination of attachment sites.
Results
Median cardiac weight was 4.34 g/kg (interquartile range: 2.1 g/kg). Left ventricular bands were present in all hearts, with 11% having only singular bands, 32% containing only nets, and 42% having nets covering the entire left ventricle (LV). The most common LVB attachment sites were the LV mid-region involving the posterior papillary muscle. Nets were most common in the mid-region including the papillary muscles (93%), followed by basilar (60%) and apical (59%) regions. All LVBs contained collagen, myocytes, adipose tissue, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. No excess fibrosis, myocardial hypertrophy, or endocardial thickening at the attachment sites was identified.
Study Limitations
The study included mainly domestic stray cats aged 12 weeks to 15 years, with few purebred or diseased individuals. The hearts were examined by one person, which may introduce subjectivity.
Conclusions
Left ventricular bands are commonly found in the mid LV section of feline hearts, primarily involving the posterior papillary muscle, suggesting normal variation. Left ventricular bands contain myocytes, not Purkinje fibers, and are not fibrous tendons. Myocyte hypertrophy or excess fibrosis is absent at attachment sites.
{"title":"Occurrence and distribution of left ventricular bands and normal anatomical features in 78 feline hearts","authors":"N. Kiessling , S. Rørvig , J. Häggström","doi":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jvc.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction/Objectives</h3><div>Left ventricular bands (LVBs) are common in feline hearts. Their importance and general features are incompletely described. This study aimed to characterize LVBs in feline hearts based on anatomical location, quantity, histological features, and attachment sites.</div></div><div><h3>Animals, Materials and Methods</h3><div>Hearts from 78 domestic cats with or without heart disease were included in this study. Cardiac weight and dimensions were measured, and LVBs were categorized as singular bands or nets, with further characterization by location, length, appearance, and histological examination of attachment sites.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Median cardiac weight was 4.34 g/kg (interquartile range: 2.1 g/kg). Left ventricular bands were present in all hearts, with 11% having only singular bands, 32% containing only nets, and 42% having nets covering the entire left ventricle (LV). The most common LVB attachment sites were the LV mid-region involving the posterior papillary muscle. Nets were most common in the mid-region including the papillary muscles (93%), followed by basilar (60%) and apical (59%) regions. All LVBs contained collagen, myocytes, adipose tissue, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. No excess fibrosis, myocardial hypertrophy, or endocardial thickening at the attachment sites was identified.</div></div><div><h3>Study Limitations</h3><div>The study included mainly domestic stray cats aged 12 weeks to 15 years, with few purebred or diseased individuals. The hearts were examined by one person, which may introduce subjectivity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Left ventricular bands are commonly found in the mid LV section of feline hearts, primarily involving the posterior papillary muscle, suggesting normal variation. Left ventricular bands contain myocytes, not Purkinje fibers, and are not fibrous tendons. Myocyte hypertrophy or excess fibrosis is absent at attachment sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48788,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Cardiology","volume":"59 ","pages":"Pages 81-92"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}