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Thomsen AS, Petersen MP, Willesen JL, Bach MBT, Kieler IN, Kristensen AT, Koch J, Nielsen LN. Clinical bleeding diathesis, laboratory haemostatic aberrations and survival in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum: 180 cases (2005-2019). J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:234-242. [PMID: 38332620 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bleeding diathesis is a complication in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. This retrospective study investigated clinical and laboratory haemostatic differences in A. vasorum-positive dogs with and without signs of bleeding and impact of bleeding on survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographics, type of clinical bleeding, haematocrit and a range of haemostatic tests, including thromboelastography and derived velocity curves were retrospectively registered from A. vasorum-positive dogs. All parameters were compared between dogs with and without signs of bleeding using univariable analyses. Binomial and multinomial regression models were applied to examine specific indicators in the bleeding dogs. P-values were false discovery rate adjusted, and adjusted P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS One hundred and eighty dogs entered the study, including 65 dogs (36.1%) presenting with bleeding diathesis. Different types of cutaneous and mucosal bleeding were the most common clinical findings. Twenty dogs presented with neurological signs associated with intracranial and intra-spinal bleeding. One hundred and thirty-seven dogs had haematological and/or haemostatic laboratory analyses performed. Haematocrit, platelet count, thromboelastographic angle, maximum amplitude, global clot strength, maximum rate of thrombin generation and total thrombin generation were decreased, while prothrombin time was prolonged in bleeding dogs. Survival rate of bleeding dogs was lower at hospital discharge (76.9%) and 1 month after diagnosis (66.0%) than in dogs without signs of bleeding (94.8% and 90.1% at discharge and at 1 month, respectively). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Several haemostatic aberrations were detected in A. vasorum-positive dogs with bleeding diathesis. Bleeding was identified as an important negative prognostic indicator in A. vasorum-positive dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Thomsen
- Dyrlaegehuset Gentofte, Brogaardsvej 10, 2820, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - M P Petersen
- Vejen Dyrehospital, Oestergade 12, 6600, Vejen, Denmark
| | - J L Willesen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M B T Bach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - I N Kieler
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A T Kristensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Koch
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L N Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Clinical, Radiological, and Echocardiographic Findings in Cats Infected by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020273. [PMID: 36839545 PMCID: PMC9965210 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cats infected by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus may show a plethora of clinical signs, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) seems to be one of the possible alterations induced by the infection; however, data on this association are scant and contradictory. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the association between aelurostrongylosis and PH and to evaluate the correlation between the number of A. abstrusus larvae expelled in the faeces and the clinical, echocardiographic, and radiological alterations. Fifteen cats (i.e., eight males and seven females) older than 3 months and naturally infected by A. abstrusus with different parasitic loads, expressed as larvae per grams of faeces (l.p.g.), were enrolled in the study. Each animal underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and radiographic examinations. Most cats (i.e., 10/15) showed pathological patterns on thoracic radiograms; particularly, the alveolar pattern (four cats), interstitial-nodular pattern (five cats), and bronchial pattern (one cat). No significant echocardiographic findings of PH were detected. No correlation between the number of l.p.g. and the severity of clinical signs was observed, but a significant correlation with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), radiographic alterations (interstitial nodular pattern), and ultrasonographic findings (RIVIDs) were noticed. These findings suggest that other factors such as animal age and health status, as well as comorbidity, may influence the presentation of the disease or the clinical manifestation and severity of the disease.
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Hemostatic Dysfunction in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum—A Narrative Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020249. [PMID: 35215192 PMCID: PMC8878016 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to describe Angiostrongylus vasorum-induced hemostatic dysfunction of dogs with emphasis on clinical and laboratory findings as well as potential therapeutic strategies for the bleeding patient. Canine angiostrongylosis (CA) is a disease with potentially high morbidity and mortality in endemic areas and with fatal outcome often associated with either severe respiratory compromise, pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure, or hemostatic dysfunction with severe bleeding. The most common signs of hemorrhage are hematomas, petecchiation, ecchymoses, oral mucosal membrane bleeding and scleral bleeding, while intracranial and pulmonary hemorrhage are among the most severe. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hemostatic dysfunction in these patients are presently researched. While the larval effect on platelets remains unknown, the parasite appears to induce dysregulation of hemostatic proteins, with studies suggesting a mixture of pro-coagulant protein consumption and hyperfibrinolysis. Importantly, not all dogs display the same hemostatic abnormalities. Consequently, characterizing the hemostatic state of the individual patient is necessary, but has proven difficult with traditional coagulation tests. Global viscoelastic testing shows promise, but has limited availability in general practice. Treatment of A. vasorum-infected dogs with hemostatic dysfunction relies on anthelmintic treatment as well as therapy directed at the individual dog’s specific hemostatic alterations.
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Paradies P, Sasanelli M, Capogna A, Mercadante A, Rubino GTR, Bussadori CM. Is Pulmonary Hypertension a Rare Condition Associated to Angiostrongylosis in Naturally Infected Dogs? Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 43:100513. [PMID: 33484890 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis due to Angiostrongylus vasorum is one of the cardiopulmonary parasitic diseases in dogs and it can manifest with very different clinical pictures, which often make diagnosis very difficult. Based on the nature of the vascular and parenchymal lesions induced by the infection (thrombo-arteritis and fibrosis), it is not surprising that cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with angiostrongylosis have been reported in the literature, although it seems to represent a rare condition. The aim of the present work is to describe the clinical and instrumental aspects referred to cases of canine angiostrongylosis before and after treatment then to evaluate even mild conditions of PAH using echocardiography. PAH was not only conventionally investigated based on characteristic cardiac changes that occur secondary to PAH and by estimating pulmonary pressure from spectral Doppler tracings, but also by using a combination of further selected echocardiographic parameters (AT/ET, PA/Ao, Pulmonary flow profile pattern) able also to reveal PAH in the absence of tricuspid or pulmonary regurgitation. Clinical and instrumental aspects of 17 cases of angiostrongylosis, divided into respiratory cases (n = 6), nonrespiratory (n = 5), and asymptomatic (n = 6), are here described. Radiographic alterations were recorded in 90% of patients despite the reason for clinical presentation. A state of mild to severe PAH was diagnosed in 58.8% of cases. Although the return to a normal clinical condition was achieved 2 months after treatment in almost all patients, radiographic and echocardiographic alterations were persistent for longer. The cases presented reinforce the evidence on the complexity of the clinical picture of angiostrongylosis. PAH associated with canine angiostrongylosis could be a more common condition than previously reported in naturally infected dogs. In some cases, echocardiographic findings suggestive of PAH could be the starting point to address the clinical diagnosis toward angiostrongylosis. PAH may be responsible for worsening of the clinical picture of patients; thus, a careful evaluation is suggested before and after anthelmintic treatment in order to optimize the therapeutic management of each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Paradies
- Clinical Section, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Campus of Veterinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Sasanelli
- Clinical Section, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Campus of Veterinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Capogna
- Clinical Section, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Campus of Veterinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Italy
| | - Angelica Mercadante
- Clinical Section, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Campus of Veterinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tommaso Roberto Rubino
- Clinical Section, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Campus of Veterinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Italy
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Szatmári V. Spontaneous tricuspid valve chordal rupture in a dog with severe, irreversible pulmonary hypertension caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:311. [PMID: 32847583 PMCID: PMC7448988 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adult worms of Angiostrongylus vasorum reside in the pulmonary artery of dogs and can lead to cardiac, respiratory, and central neurologic signs. Due to luminal obstruction and perivascular inflammation of the pulmonary artery branches, pulmonary hypertension can arise. Pulmonary hypertension, in turn, can lead to severe damage of the right-sided cardiac structures, leading to right ventricular remodeling and tricuspid valve regurgitation. CASE PRESENTATION An 8-year-old neutered female English Cocker Spaniel was presented to the author's institution because of abdominal distention and exercise intolerance. Ascites caused by congestive right-sided heart failure was found to be responsible for these problems. The underlying etiology of the right-sided heart failure was a severe pulmonary hypertension caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. Echocardiography revealed, in addition to a severe concentric and eccentric right ventricular hypertrophy, right atrial and pulmonary trunk dilation, severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, and a systolic flail of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, resulting from ruptured chordae tendineae. As a coincidental finding, a congenital mitral stenosis was found. Oral therapy was initiated with daily administration of fenbendazole for 2 weeks along with daily administration of oral sildenafil until the re-check examination. At the 6-week re-check the dog showed full clinical and partial echocardiographic recovery, and both the blood antigen test for Angiostrongylus vasorum and the fecal Baermann larva isolation test were negative. When the sildenafil therapy was ceased after tapering the daily dosage, the owner reported recurrence of abdominal distension. Re-starting the sildenafil therapy resulted in resolution of this problem. The dog was reported to be clinically healthy with daily sildenafil administration 7 months after the initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS The present case report describes a dog where angiostrongylosis led to congestive right-sided heart failure resulting from severe pulmonary hypertension. The secondary right ventricular eccentric hypertrophy together with suspected papillary muscular ischemia were the suspected cause of the ruptured major tricuspid chordae tendineae, which led to a severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Despite eradication of the worms, the severe pulmonary hypertension persisted. Treatment with daily oral sildenafil, a pulmonary arterial vasodilator, was enough to keep the dog free of clinically apparent ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Szatmári
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Reinero C, Visser LC, Kellihan HB, Masseau I, Rozanski E, Clercx C, Williams K, Abbott J, Borgarelli M, Scansen BA. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and monitoring of pulmonary hypertension in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:549-573. [PMID: 32065428 PMCID: PMC7097566 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH), defined by increased pressure within the pulmonary vasculature, is a hemodynamic and pathophysiologic state present in a wide variety of cardiovascular, respiratory, and systemic diseases. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide a multidisciplinary approach to guidelines for the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and monitoring of PH in dogs. Comprehensive evaluation including consideration of signalment, clinical signs, echocardiographic parameters, and results of other diagnostic tests supports the diagnosis of PH and allows identification of associated underlying conditions. Dogs with PH can be classified into the following 6 groups: group 1, pulmonary arterial hypertension; group 2, left heart disease; group 3, respiratory disease/hypoxia; group 4, pulmonary emboli/pulmonary thrombi/pulmonary thromboemboli; group 5, parasitic disease (Dirofilaria and Angiostrongylus); and group 6, disorders that are multifactorial or with unclear mechanisms. The approach to treatment of PH focuses on strategies to decrease the risk of progression, complications, or both, recommendations to target underlying diseases or factors contributing to PH, and PH‐specific treatments. Dogs with PH should be monitored for improvement, static condition, or progression, and any identified underlying disorder should be addressed and monitored simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Lance C Visser
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Heidi B Kellihan
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Isabelle Masseau
- Department of Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Rozanski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Cécile Clercx
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals and Equine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kurt Williams
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Jonathan Abbott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Michele Borgarelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Brian A Scansen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Allen J, Peterson N, Barrett K, Llamas A. Graded balloon atrial septostomy for palliation of congenital pulmonary hypertension in a dog: A case report. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:283-288. [PMID: 31769097 PMCID: PMC6979104 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 6-month-old intact female Maltese dog was presented for acute onset of syncope. CLINICAL FINDINGS The dog was presented for collapse upon excitement and exercise. It collapsed at discharge and suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. Echocardiography after resuscitation indicated severe pulmonary hypertension without evidence of intracardiac or extracardiac shunting. A presumptive diagnosis of congenital pulmonary hypertension was made. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Initial treatment with sildenafil was effective at relieving syncope, but the extent of pulmonary hypertension as determined by serial echocardiography was unchanged. Graded balloon atrial septostomy was performed as a palliative procedure. Follow-up echocardiography identified a patent interatrial communication with bidirectional shunting. The dog remained asymptomatic 18 months after treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report in the veterinary literature of graded balloon atrial septostomy performed for therapeutic purposes. Further studies are required to determine if this palliative procedure is a beneficial treatment option for dogs with congenital or severe refractory pulmonary hypertension.
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Corda A, Carta S, Varcasia A, Tamponi C, Evangelisti MA, Scala A, Pinna Parpaglia ML. Pulmonary arterial response to Angiostrongylus vasorum in naturally infected dogs: echocardiographic findings in two cases. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:286. [PMID: 31164175 PMCID: PMC6549332 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode living in the pulmonary arteries of canids. Infected dogs develop severe pulmonary lesions which can potentially lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, reports of PH in natural infected dogs are scant. One of the possible causes of the low prevalence of PH in A. vasorum-infected dogs could be the establishment of large diameter intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVAs), which attenuate pulmonary vascular resistance, thus reducing the pulmonary arterial pressure. The present report describes the pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) response to A. vasorum natural infection in two dogs, assessed by echocardiography and by the saline contrast echocardiographic test (SCE). Results Both dogs showed clinical signs of respiratory disease. At presentation, case 1 did not show echocardiographic signs of PH and the SCE test was positive proving the presence of IPAVAs. However, at the follow-up visit, despite A. vasorum infection resolution, the same dog showed PH and the SCE test resulted negative, which ruled out the presence of IPAVAs. Case 2 suffered from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and right-side congestive heart failure since the day of presentation. Saline contrast echocardiography was negative both at the time of presentation and at the follow-up visit. Conclusions In the two cases described above, the PH was not associated with IPAVAs. During A. vasorum infection, IPAVAs recruitment mechanism is able to contrast the rise of PAP until a certain level. It probably represents an initial escape mechanism of PH that, over time, exhausts its compensatory capacities allowing PAP to rise and to be detectable on echocardiography. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3544-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corda
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Carta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Scala
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Sudunagunta S, Green D, Christley R, Dukes-McEwan J. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in Cavalier King Charles spaniels compared with other breeds with myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Vet Cardiol 2019; 23:21-31. [PMID: 31174726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common consequence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) are frequently affected with MMVD and appear to have different disease progression compared to other dogs. This study aimed to determine if CKCS are more likely to develop PH as a result of MMVD than dogs of other breeds. A secondary aim was to explore whether breed or PH impacted survival. ANIMALS A total of 187 dogs diagnosed with MMVD, 94 CKCS and 93 non-CKCS, were included in this study. METHODS This is a retrospective review of dogs with MMVD. Data were analyzed for presence of PH, congestive heart failure (CHF) and echocardiographic variables including the ratio between mitral E wave velocity (E vel) and isovolumic relaxation time (E/IVRT) and were compared between CKCS/non-CKCS and dogs with/without PH. Survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage (p < 0.001), CKCS (p = 0.005), left atrium-to-aortic ratio (LA/Ao) (p < 0.001), E vel (p < 0.001) and log10(E/IVRT) (p < 0.001) were significant at the univariate level for PH development. At the multivariate level, only ACVIM stage remained significant (p = 0.044), suggesting that worsening MMVD was the predominant determinant of PH development in this study. Pulmonary hypertension was associated with greater likelihood of CHF (p < 0.001) and death (both cardiac [p < 0.001] and all-cause mortality [p = 0.011]). Cavalier King Charles spaniels were more likely to experience cardiac death than non-CKCS (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS In this study, development of PH was associated with worse MMVD, according to ACVIM stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sudunagunta
- Cardiology Service, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - D Green
- Waikanae Beach, Wellington, 5036, New Zealand
| | - R Christley
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - J Dukes-McEwan
- Cardiology Service, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
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den Toom ML, Grinwis G, van Suylen RJ, Boroffka SA, de Jong P, van Steenbeek FG, Szatmári V. Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease as a cause of severe pulmonary hypertension in a dog. Acta Vet Scand 2018; 60:78. [PMID: 30518401 PMCID: PMC6282261 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-018-0433-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in humans and can be classified in idiopathic, heritable, drug and radiation-induced, and associated with connective tissue disease or human immunodeficiency virus infection. Recently, biallelic mutations of the EIF2AK4 gene have been discovered as a cause for an autosomal recessive form of PVOD in humans. In dogs, PAH is poorly characterized and is generally considered to be idiopathic or secondary to (for example) congenital left-to right cardiovascular shunts or heartworm disease. However, recently, the pathologic features resembling human PVOD were retrospectively described in post-mortem lung samples of dogs presenting with respiratory distress and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (PH), which suggests that PVOD contributes to an unknown percentage of cases with unexplained PH. In dogs, information on the clinical presentation of PVOD is scarce and the cause and pathogenesis of this disease is still unknown. Case presentation An 11-year-old, intact male German Shepherd dog (GSD) was presented with a 2-day history of acute-onset dyspnea and generalized weakness. Physical examination, laboratory analysis, thoracic radiography, echocardiography, a computed tomography scan and an ante mortem lung biopsy demonstrated severe arterial hypoxemia and severe PH but were not diagnostic for a known disease syndrome. Based on the poor reaction to therapy with oxygen, sildenafil, pimobendan and dexamethasone the dog was euthanized. Histopathology of the lungs showed venous and arterial remodelling, segmental congestion of alveolar capillaries and foci of vascular changes similar to human pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis, indicating that the dog suffered from PVOD. Whole genome sequencing analysis was performed on the case and a healthy GSD. Validation was performed by Sanger sequencing of five additional GSD's unknown for any form of respiratory stress and aged ≥ 10 years. No causal variants were found in the genes that are known to be involved in human PVOD and PAH. Conclusions This case report confirms that PVOD should be a diagnostic consideration in dogs presenting with dyspnea and unexplained PH. In the present case, no casual genetic mutations known to be involved in humans with PVOD and PAH were found.
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Abbott JA, Gentile-Solomon JM. Measurement Variation and Repeatability of Echocardiographic Variables Used to Estimate Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2017; 31:1622-1628. [PMID: 29031025 PMCID: PMC5697183 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important clinical entity in dogs. Pulmonary hypertension is generally identified based on echocardiographic findings, but measurement variation of the variables most often used in this context has not been reported. Objective To define measurement variation of echocardiographic variables that are used to estimate pulmonary artery pressure. Animals Four dogs with subclinical tricuspid valve regurgitation were selected from a hospital population. Methods Prospective descriptive study ‐ dogs were subject to repeated echocardiographic examination by 2 operators. Each dog was echocardiographically examined 12 times, once by each operator during mornings and afternoons of 3 nonconsecutive days. Measurement variation was defined by coefficients of variation and by mean square errors (MSE) from ANOVA models. Repeatability coefficients (RC) were calculated from MSE. Results Of 50 within‐day, between‐day, and interoperator coefficients of variation (CVs), 37 were less than 10% and 46 were less than 15%. The range of peak velocity of tricuspid valve regurgitation (VTR) VTR was 1.87–3.34 m/s. Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect (P < 0.05) of operator for 7 of 10 measurements. Within‐operator/between‐day/within‐subject and between‐operator/between‐day/within‐subject RCs of VTR were, respectively, 0.3 and 0.6 m/s. Conclusions and Clinical Importance With regard to repeatability, VTR is superior to other methods used for echocardiographic estimation of systolic pulmonary artery pressure. When TR is absent, the acceleration time of pulmonary ejection and the acceleration‐to‐ejection time ratio are alternative measures. A change in VTR exceeding 0.3 m/s might be outside the range of expected within‐operator variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Abbott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
| | - J M Gentile-Solomon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
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12
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Sutherland-Smith J, Hankin EJ, Cunningham SM, Sato AF, Barton BA. Comparison of a computed tomographic pulmonary trunk to aorta diameter ratio with echocardiographic indices of pulmonary hypertension in dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2017; 59:18-26. [DOI: 10.1111/vru.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James Sutherland-Smith
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; North Grafton MA 01536
| | - Elyshia J. Hankin
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; North Grafton MA 01536
| | - Suzanne M. Cunningham
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; North Grafton MA 01536
| | - Amy F. Sato
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; North Grafton MA 01536
| | - Bruce A. Barton
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences; University of Massachusetts Medical School; Worcester MA 01655
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Sigrist NE, Hofer-Inteeworn N, Jud Schefer R, Kuemmerle-Fraune C, Schnyder M, Kutter APN. Hyperfibrinolysis and Hypofibrinogenemia Diagnosed With Rotational Thromboelastometry in Dogs Naturally Infected With Angiostrongylus vasorum. J Vet Intern Med 2017; 31:1091-1099. [PMID: 28480552 PMCID: PMC5508311 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pathomechanism of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection‐associated bleeding diathesis in dogs is not fully understood. Objective To describe rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters in dogs naturally infected with A. vasorum and to compare ROTEM parameters between infected dogs with and without clinical signs of bleeding. Animals A total of 21 dogs presented between 2013 and 2016. Methods Dogs with A. vasorum infection and ROTEM evaluation were retrospectively identified. Thrombocyte counts, ROTEM parameters, clinical signs of bleeding, therapy, and survival to discharge were retrospectively retrieved from patient records and compared between dogs with and without clinical signs of bleeding. Results Evaluation by ROTEM showed hyperfibrinolysis in 8 of 12 (67%; 95% CI, 40–86%) dogs with and 1 of 9 (11%; 95% CI, 2–44%) dogs without clinical signs of bleeding (P = .016). Hyperfibrinolysis was associated with severe hypofibrinogenemia in 6 of 10 (60%; 95% CI, 31–83%) of the cases. Hyperfibrinolysis decreased or resolved after treatment with 10–80 mg/kg tranexamic acid. Fresh frozen plasma (range, 14–60 mL/kg) normalized follow‐up fibrinogen function ROTEM (FIBTEM) maximal clot firmness in 6 of 8 dogs (75%; 95% CI, 41–93%). Survival to discharge was 67% (14/21 dogs; 95% CI, 46–83%) and was not different between dogs with and without clinical signs of bleeding (P = .379). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Hyperfibrinolysis and hypofibrinogenemia were identified as an important pathomechanism in angiostrongylosis‐associated bleeding in dogs. Hyperfibrinolysis and hypofibrinogenemia were normalized by treatment with tranexamic acid and plasma transfusions, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Sigrist
- Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N Hofer-Inteeworn
- Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Jud Schefer
- Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Kuemmerle-Fraune
- Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A P N Kutter
- Section of Anaesthesiology, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Maksimov P, Hermosilla C, Taubert A, Staubach C, Sauter-Louis C, Conraths FJ, Vrhovec MG, Pantchev N. GIS-supported epidemiological analysis on canine Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infections in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:108. [PMID: 28241853 PMCID: PMC5330135 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus vasorum infections are the cause of severe cardiopulmonary diseases in dogs. In the past, canine angiostrongylosis has largely been neglected in Europe, although some recent studies indicated an expansion of historically known endemic areas, a phenomenon that might also apply to Crenosoma vulpis. The aim of the present study was to analyse temporal and spatial trends of canine A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections and to perform GIS-supported risk factor analysis to evaluate the role of landscape, age and seasonality in the life-cycle of these nematodes. METHODS A total of 12,682 faecal samples from German dogs (collected in 2003-2015) with clinical suspicion for lungworm infection were examined for the presence of A. vasorum and C. vulpis larvae by the Baermann funnel technique and respective epidemiological data (location and age of the sampled dogs, date of sampling) were subjected to GIS-supported risk factor analysis. RESULTS Overall, A. vasorum and C. vulpis larvae were detected in 288 (2.3%) and 285 (2.2%) faecal samples, respectively. In general, both lungworm infections were found to be widely spread in Germany. GIS-supported analyses demonstrate spatial differences in the occurrence of canine A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections in Germany. also, risk factor analyses revealed an overlap but also diverging risk and protective factors for A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections. The current data also indicate a significant increase of A. vasorum and C. vulpis prevalences from 2003 to 2015 and from 2008 until 2015, respectively, and a potential spread of A. vasorum endemic areas to the northeastern part of Germany. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show an insight into the epidemiological situation of lungworm infections (A. vasorum and C. vulpis) of the past 13 years in Germany. The data clearly demonstrate an increase of diagnosed A. vasorum prevalence in the tested dog population between 2003 and 2015 as well as spatial differences in the occurrence of diagnosed A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections of dogs in Germany. Risk factor analyses suggest possible differences in the biology of these parasites, presumably at the intermediate host level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany. .,Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Gherman CM, Deak G, Matei IA, Ionică AM, D'Amico G, Taulescu M, Barbu-Tudoran L, Sarmaşi A, Mihalca AD, Cozma V. A rare cardiopulmonary parasite of the European badger, Meles meles: first description of the larvae, ultrastructure, pathological changes and molecular identification of Angiostrongylus daskalovi Janchev & Genov 1988. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:423. [PMID: 27485118 PMCID: PMC4969667 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1718-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus daskalovi is a rare cardiopulmonary nematode infecting badgers. The parasite was described in 1988 and, since then, found only once in mustelids in Europe. The present study aims to report new cases of patent A. daskalovi infection in badgers from northern Romania and to provide new information on its ultrastructure, molecular diagnosis, and pathology. Methods Eight road-killed or hunted badgers originating from Maramureș and Alba counties in Romania were collected and necropsied. Adults and larvae of cardio-pulmonary nematodes were collected and examined by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Genomic DNA was extracted from adults and first-stage larvae (L1). PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2, ∼500 bp) of the rRNA gene was performed. Amplicons were purified, sequenced, and compared to those available in the GenBank database. Histopathological examination of the lungs was performed and lesions described. Results The necropsy revealed the presence of nematodes in the pulmonary arteries of three animals. All parasites were mature adults and the coproscopic examination showed the presence of eggs and L1 larvae in all three positive animals. Light microscopy examination confirmed the morphological and morphometric similarity of parasites to Angiostrongylus daskalovi. SEM highlighted the typical angiostrongylid structure of the rays of the copulatory bursa and the anterior extremity, with the presence of six sensory papillae surrounding the mouth opening in which a triangular tooth was visible. The first-stage larva (L1) of A. daskalovi is described here for the first time. Histopathological examination of the lungs showed chronic interstitial verminous pneumonia due to the presence of adult parasites. Molecular analysis showed 100 % nucleotide similarity to an Angiostrongylus sp. isolate originating from a badger from Spain, tentatively identified as A. daskalovi. Conclusions Our study unequivocally demonstrates the presence of A. daskalovi in European badgers from Romania, provides the first description of the larvae and reveals new data about the ultrastructure of adult parasites and their pathological impact, contributing to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships with other congeneric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marian Taulescu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucian Barbu-Tudoran
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, M. Kogălniceanu Street, 1, Cluj-Napoca, 400648, Romania
| | - Alexandru Sarmaşi
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Toom MLD, Dobak TP, Broens EM, Valtolina C. Interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension associated with suspected ehrlichiosis in a dog. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:46. [PMID: 27388158 PMCID: PMC4937533 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), respiratory signs are uncommon and clinical and radiographic signs of interstitial pneumonia are poorly described. However, in human monocytic ehrlichiosis, respiratory signs are common and signs of interstitial pneumonia are well known. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is classified based on the underlying disease and its treatment is aimed at reducing the clinical signs and, if possible, addressing the primary disease process. PH is often irreversible, but can be reversible if it is secondary to a treatable underlying etiology. CME is currently not generally recognized as one of the possible diseases leading to interstitial pneumonia and secondary PH in dogs. Only one case of PH associated with CME has been reported worldwide. Case presentation A seven-year-old, male intact, mixed breed dog was presented with 2 weeks history of lethargy and dyspnea. The dog previously lived in the Cape Verdean islands. Physical examination showed signs of right-sided congestive heart failure and poor peripheral perfusion. Thoracic radiography showed moderate right-sided cardiomegaly with dilation of the main pulmonary artery and a mild diffuse interstitial lung pattern with peribronchial cuffing. Echocardiography showed severe pulmonary hypertension with an estimated pressure gradient of 136 mm Hg. On arterial blood gas analysis, severe hypoxemia was found and complete blood count revealed moderate regenerative anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. A severe gamma hyperglobulinemia was also documented. Serology for Ehrlichia canis was highly positive. Treatment with oxygen supplementation, a typed packed red blood cell transfusion and medical therapy with doxycycline, pimobendan and sildenafil was initiated and the dog improved clinically. Approximately 2 weeks later, there was complete resolution of all clinical signs and marked improvement of the PH. Conclusion This report illustrates that CME might be associated with significant pulmonary disease and should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with dyspnea and secondary pulmonary hypertension, especially in dogs that have been in endemic areas. This is important because CME is a treatable disease and its secondary lung and cardiac manifestations may be completely reversible.
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Novo Matos J, Malbon A, Dennler M, Glaus T. Intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses in dogs with severe Angiostrongylus vasorum infection: clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic evaluation. J Vet Cardiol 2016; 18:110-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Visser LC, Im MK, Johnson LR, Stern JA. Diagnostic Value of Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility Index in Dogs with Pulmonary Hypertension: Comparison with Doppler Echocardiographic Estimates of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:543-52. [PMID: 26893108 PMCID: PMC4913611 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Noninvasive diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) primarily relies upon Doppler echocardiography of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, TR might be absent or difficult to measure. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine the diagnostic value of right pulmonary artery distensibility (RPAD) index for prediction of Doppler‐derived estimates of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure compared to other indices of PH in dogs. Animals Sixty‐nine client‐owned dogs with TR. Methods Prospective observational study. Dogs were allocated to groups according to TR pressure gradient (TRPG): TRPG <36 mmHg (control, n = 22), TRPG 36–50 (n = 16), TRPG 50–75 (n = 14) and TRPG >75 mmHg (n = 17). Right pulmonary artery distensibility index, acceleration time to peak PA flow (AT), AT: ejection time of PA flow (AT:ET) and main PA size: aorta size (MPA:Ao) were calculated in each dog. Results Right pulmonary artery distensibility index demonstrated the strongest correlation (r = −0.90; P < .0001) to TRPG followed by MPA:Ao (r = 0.78; P < .0001), AT (r = −0.69; P < .0001) and AT:ET (r = −0.68; P < .0001). RPAD index possessed the most accurate cutoff (<29.5%; Sensitivity [Sn] 0.84, Specificity [Sp] 0.95) to predict TRPG >50 mmHg compared to AT (<53.9 ms; Sn 0.74, Sp 0.87), AT:ET (<0.30; Sn 0.61, Sp 0.97) and MPA:Ao (>1.04; Sn 0.94, Sp 0.74). All intra‐ and interobserver measurement variabilities exhibited coefficients of variation ≤13%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Right pulmonary artery distensibility index is an accurate predictor of TRPG and should be particularly useful if TR is absent or difficult to measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Visser
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - M K Im
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - L R Johnson
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - J A Stern
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
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First evidence of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) as definitive host of Angiostrongylus chabaudi. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:1235-44. [PMID: 26637312 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4860-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus chabaudi (Strongylida, Angiostrongylidae) is a parasitic nematode described for the first time last century from the pulmonary arteries of six European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) in central Italy. Since then, this parasite remained practically unknown until recently, when immature A. chabaudi have been reported from one wildcat in Germany and two domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) in Italy. The present report describes the first record of A. chabaudi in Greece and, most importantly, the first known case of patent infection by A. chabaudi. The necropsy of a road-killed F. s. silvestris found near the lake Kerkini, in the municipality of Serres (Macedonia, Greece), revealed the presence of nematodes of both sexes in the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery of the heart. All parasites were mature adults and numerous eggs were present in the uteruses of females. The morphological characteristics of the parasites were consistent with those of A. chabaudi. Moreover, Angiostrongylus-like first stage larvae (L1) were present in the faeces of the animal that was negative for any other cardio-pulmonary parasite. Genetic examination of adult parasites and L1 confirmed the morphological identification as A. chabaudi. Histopathological examination of the lungs showed severe, multifocal to coalescing, chronic, interstitial granulomatous pneumonia due to the presence of adult parasites, larvae and eggs. These findings demonstrate for the first unequivocal time that this nematode reproduces in the European wildcat which should be ultimately considered a definitive host of A. chabaudi. Finally, the L1 of A. chabaudi are described here for the first time, opening new prospects for further studies on this neglected parasite.
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