Case 8 — Two-Dimensional Echocardiograms

Right parasternal long-axis view showing all four chambers in diastole. The left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter is increased to 21 mm (normal up to 17 mm). The right ventricular (RV) free wall is severely thickened. The left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) are enlarged.
Right parasternal long-axis view (diastole). LV diastolic diameter is increased to 21 mm (normal ≤17 mm). The RV free wall is severely thickened. LA and RA are enlarged.
Right parasternal cross-sectional view showing the right ventricular (RV) chamber to be enlarged and the right ventricular free wall to be thickened. An array of abnormal chordal structures emanates from the papillary muscles in the left ventricular (LV) chamber.
Right parasternal cross-sectional view. The RV chamber is enlarged and the RV free wall thickened. Abnormal chordal structures emanate from the papillary muscles in the LV chamber.
Right parasternal cross-sectional view of the base of the heart showing the left atrium (LA) moderately enlarged compared to the aorta (Ao). The pulmonic valve is visible between the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the main pulmonary artery (PA), closed in this diastolic frame.
Cross-sectional base view (diastole). LA is moderately enlarged relative to Ao. The pulmonic valve (between RVOT and PA) is closed.
Right parasternal long-axis view of the left ventricle (LV) and aorta showing a region of discontinuity between the upper portion of the interventricular septum and the base of the aorta.
Long-axis view of LV and aorta. A region of discontinuity is visible between the upper interventricular septum and the base of the aorta.
Close-up echocardiographic view of the base of the interventricular septum showing a defect (arrow) between the base of the septum and the root of the aorta.
Close-up of the base of the interventricular septum. A defect (arrow) is visible between the base of the septum and the aortic root.

Video of an echocardiogram from a different cat with the same abnormality

Quiz

1. The thickened right ventricular free wall tells you what?

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