Case 4 — Echocardiograms of the Left Ventricle

Right parasternal cross-sectional view of the left ventricle showing a thickened left ventricular free wall measuring 1.23 cm (normal 9–10 mm for this size dog). The papillary muscles, especially the caudal one on the left of the screen, appear hyperechoic, consistent with increased fibrous (scar) tissue.

This is a cross-sectional view of the left ventricle taken from a right parasternal position. The left ventricular free wall is 1.23 cm thick (normal for this sized dog is 9 to 10 mm). The papillary muscles, especially the caudal one (to the left on the screen), are hyperechoic, probably because there is increased fibrous (scar) tissue in them.

Right parasternal longitudinal four-chamber view showing normal left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA), and right atrial (RA) chamber sizes. Cursors measure the interventricular septum thickness at 1.36 cm, which is increased above normal.

This right parasternal longitudinal four-chamber view shows normal left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA), and right atrial (RA) chamber sizes. The thickness of the interventricular septum (cursors) is increased to 1.36 cm.

Quiz

1. The increase in left ventricular wall thickness and the normal chamber size tells you this dog has:

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