Case 7 — Echocardiograms

Four-chamber echocardiographic view from the left apical position showing an extremely thickened right ventricular free wall (to the left of the RV label). The subendocardium of the right ventricle is severely hyperechoic, suggesting damage and fibrosis. RV — right ventricular chamber; LV — left ventricular chamber; RA — right atrial chamber; LA — left atrial chamber.

Four-chamber view (left apical position). The right ventricular free wall (left of RV label) is extremely thickened. The subendocardium is severely hyperechoic, suggesting damage and fibrosis. RV — right ventricle; LV — left ventricle; RA — right atrium; LA — left atrium.

Cross-sectional echocardiographic view from the right parasternal position, again showing the severely thickened right ventricular free wall on top and the hyperechoic subendocardium.

Cross-sectional view (right parasternal position). Again shows the severely thickened right ventricular free wall and the hyperechoic subendocardium.

Echocardiographic view of the pulmonic valve between the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the main pulmonary artery (MPA). The valve cusps appear thicker than normal. This systolic frame shows the cusps are immobile and have not opened.

View of the pulmonic valve (between RVOT and MPA), taken in systole. The valve cusps are thicker than normal and immobile — they have not opened.

Echocardiographic view of the tricuspid valve showing long and thickened chordae tendineae immediately below the RV label. RA — right atrium.

View of the tricuspid valve showing long and thickened chordae tendineae (immediately below the RV label). RA — right atrium.

Echocardiographic view of the atrial septum from the right side of the dog. Two walls of the atrial septum are visible, separated by a hole indicated by an arrow.

View of the atrial septum (right parasternal). Two walls of the atrial septum are visible, separated by a hole (arrow).

Video of an echocardiogram from another dog with the same disease

Close-up of the pulmonary valve.

Quiz

1. The markedly thickened right ventricular wall suggests what is increased in the right ventricular chamber?

2. What is the most likely structure the arrow is pointing at in the last image?

↑