Case 32 — Echocardiograms

Two-dimensional echocardiogram — cross-sectional view of the left ventricle at end-systole

Two-dimensional echocardiogram showing cross-sectional view of the left ventricle at end-systole with dilated chambers.

Right parasternal cross-sectional view of the ventricles from a different cat

Note that this cat also has pleural effusion

Right parasternal long axis view

Enlarged left atrium

M-mode echocardiogram of the left ventricle

M-mode echocardiogram of the left ventricle showing poor contractility and dilated chambers.

Echocardiogram Measurements

  • Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter — 2.3 cm (normal is less than 1.7 cm)
  • Left ventricular end-systolic diameter — 1.9 cm (normal is less than 1.0 cm)
  • Shortening fraction — 18% (normal is 35 to 55%)
  • Interventricular septal thickness in diastole — 0.3 cm (normal)
  • Interventricular septal thickness in systole — 0.4 cm (reduced)
  • Left ventricular free wall thickness in diastole — 0.3 cm (normal)
  • Left ventricular free wall thickness in systole — 0.5 cm (reduced)
  • Aortic root diameter — 0.8 cm (normal)
  • Left atrial diameter — 1.5 cm (enlarged)

Quiz

1. Which of the two diagnoses below are possible based on these echocardiograms?

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