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Romito G, Elmi A, Guglielmini C, Poser H, Valente C, Castagna P, Mazzoldi C, Cipone M. Transient myocardial thickening: a retrospective analysis on etiological, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome findings in 27 cats. J Vet Cardiol 2023; 50:51-62. [PMID: 37924558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE Transient myocardial thickening (TMT) in cats is a poorly characterized clinical entity. Therefore, this study aimed to provide descriptions of additional cats diagnosed with this clinical phenomenon. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS For this multicenter observational retrospective study, cats diagnosed with TMT were searched in three medical databases. TMT was defined for cats with at least two echocardiograms showing an increased end-diastolic left ventricular wall thickness (LVWTd; i.e. ≥6 mm) at presentation and subsequent echocardiographic normalization (i.e. LVWTd <5.5 mm). Signalment, history, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome data were retrieved. RESULTS Twenty seven cats were included. The median age was 3 years. In 9/27 cats, an antecedent event was documented. At admission, 27/27 cats had evidence of myocardial injury (median value of cardiac troponin I 5.5 ng/mL), 25/27 cats had congestive heart failure, 13/27 cats had hypothermia, 8/27 cats had systemic hypotension, 7/27 cats had bradycardia, and 7/27 cats had electrocardiographic evidence of an arrhythmia. The median LVWTd was 6.4 mm. A potential cause of myocardial injury was identified in 14/27 cats. The median time from diagnosis to a significant reduction in LVWTd was 43 days. DISCUSSION TMT can be diagnosed in a wide range of cats, including young subjects. An antecedent predisposing event and/or a possible causative trigger can be identified in some. The reduction in LVWTd that defines this phenomenon usually occurs over a variable time frame. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the largest investigation of TMT in cats and provides additional information on this uncommon clinical entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Romito
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - A Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - C Guglielmini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - H Poser
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - C Valente
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - P Castagna
- Freelance Veterinary Cardiologist, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Mazzoldi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - M Cipone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
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Llado-Calderon NM, White AJM. ECG of the Month. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1-3. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.21.01.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J. M. White
- Department of Cardiology, Garden State Veterinary Specialists, Tinton Falls, NJ
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Regada SF, Silva J, Matos JN. ECG of the Month. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1-3. [PMID: 35507512 DOI: 10.2460/javma.21.07.0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra F Regada
- 1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Silva
- 1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,2North Downs Specialists Referrals, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Novo Matos
- 1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Spalla I, Smith GW, Chang YM, Luis Fuentes V, Connolly DJ. Paroxysmal high-grade second-degree and persistent third-degree atrioventricular block in cats. J Vet Cardiol 2021; 36:20-31. [PMID: 34051641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both paroxysmal high-grade second-degree and persistent third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) are recognised in cats. Our aim was to document the presentation, echocardiographic data, comorbidities and outcome in affected cats from a single referral hospital, including those that underwent epicardial pacemaker implantation (EPI). ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 64 cats diagnosed with persistent third-degree or paroxysmal high-grade AVB, for which detailed patient history was available. Non-parametric testing, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard testing were performed. RESULTS Atrioventricular block was persistent in 43 cats (67%) and paroxysmal in 21 (33%). Forty-seven cats (74%) were referred for cardiac complaints (e.g. collapse, arrhythmia, tachypnea), 6 (9%) had non-specific complaints and AVB was an incidental finding in 11 cats (17%). Median duration of clinical signs prior to presentation was 21 days (1-1138 days). Thirty-nine (63%) cats had echocardiographic abnormalities; 13 (20%) presented with congestive heart failure. Forty-five (70%) cats had one or more comorbidities. Fifteen cats underwent EPI with immediate resolution of signs in 12 cats. Following EPI, two and four cats experienced major and minor complications, respectively. Forty-seven cats died; median survival time was 799 days (all-cause mortality). Cardiac-related death occurred in 17 cats (36%); median survival in these cats was 132 days. Heart failure on presentation was the only independent risk factor for cardiac death (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Outcome in cats with AVB was variable, although most had good medium- to long-term survival. Cardiac death occurred in a minority of cats. Pacemaker implantation was effective in relieving clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Spalla
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom; Ospedale Veterinario San Francesco, via Isaac Newton 2, 20148 Milano, Italy.
| | - G W Smith
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Y-M Chang
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - V Luis Fuentes
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - D J Connolly
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
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Trifascicular block in a cat infected with Cytauxzoon felis. J Vet Cardiol 2021; 35:121-123. [PMID: 33945903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A 3-year-old female spayed indoor/outdoor Siamese cat was diagnosed with cytauxzoonosis and irregular heart rhythm was appreciated during a physical examination. On electrocardiogram, the cat had an average ventricular rate of 144 beats/min with Wenckebach type (Mobitz type I) atrioventricular block. The QRS complexes of sinus conducted beats had left anterior fascicular block morphology, they were followed by two subsequent beats presented with a prolonged P-R interval and QRS conducted with a left bundle branch block. The finding of alternating left anterior fascicular block and left bundle branch block along with atrioventricular block is consistent with trifascicular block. No structural heart changes were noted on echocardiography. Approximately 48 h after presentation to the emergency service, the cat acutely decompensated and spontaneously died.
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Colpitts ME, Fonfara S, Monteith G, Pires AR, Wong A, Raheb S, Lynne O'Sullivan M. Characteristics and outcomes of cats with and without pacemaker placement for high-grade atrioventricular block. J Vet Cardiol 2021; 34:37-47. [PMID: 33548737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Available information on characteristics and outcome in cats with high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) that receive a pacemaker is limited. ANIMALS Twenty-two privately owned cats presenting with high-grade AVB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records were retrospectively examined. Cats were grouped as having received a pacemaker (PACE group) or not having received a pacemaker (non-PACE group). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of groups were evaluated. RESULTS There were 10 cats in the PACE group and 12 cats in the non-PACE group. At presentation, syncope or seizure-like behavior (p = 0.004) and bradycardia (p = 0.043) were more common in the PACE than the non-PACE group. Historical lethargy (p = 0.015) and dull mentation (p = 0.045) were more common in the non-PACE group, as was clinically relevant systemic disease. Pacemaker placement improved syncope or seizure-like behavior in 100% of cats. The degree of AVB at presentation was not associated with pacemaker placement nor the future degree of AVB. The major complication rate of pacemaker placement was 40%. Intergroup survival was not significantly different (PACE group 1278 days, 95% confidence interval: 0-2145 days; non-PACE group 213 days, confidence interval: 1-not available, p = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS Pacemaker placement improved clinical signs in cats with high-grade AVB. A difference in survival time could not be demonstrated between cats that received and did not receive a pacemaker in this retrospective study. High-grade AVB can be transient and accompanied by systemic disease in some cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Colpitts
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S Fonfara
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - G Monteith
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A R Pires
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Wong
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S Raheb
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M Lynne O'Sullivan
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave W, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Iwasa N, Nishii N, Takashima S, Kobatake Y, Nomura S, Iwasa K, Iwasa T, Suzuki T, Machida N, Kitagawa H. Long-term management of high-grade atrioventricular block using cilostazol in a cat. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919878913. [PMID: 31673397 PMCID: PMC6804363 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919878913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 12-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was admitted for syncope. Clinical signs and electrocardiography revealed high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block. Treatment with cilostazol ameliorated the clinical signs and arrhythmia. However, the high-grade AV block recurred on several occasions. After 640 days, the cat presented again with clinical deterioration owing to reoccurrence of the arrhythmia and it died 11 days later. Histopathological examination revealed a loss of conduction cells within the His bundle. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this is the first report of high-grade AV block treated with cilostazol in a cat. Treatment with cilostazol prolonged survival for 650 days without pacemaker implantation. Histological findings suggested that the AV block was related to fibrosis of the impulse conduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Iwasa
- Hashima Animal Hospital, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Naohito Nishii
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takashima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yui Kobatake
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Saki Nomura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Noboru Machida
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kitagawa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime, Japan
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Santilli RA, Giacomazzi F, Porteiro Vázquez DM, Perego M. Indications for permanent pacing in dogs and cats. J Vet Cardiol 2019; 22:20-39. [PMID: 30709617 PMCID: PMC7185536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pacemaker implantation is considered as a standard procedure for treatment of symptomatic bradycardia in both dogs and cats. Advanced second-degree and third-degree atrioventricular blocks, sick sinus syndrome, persistent atrial standstill, and vasovagal syncope are the most common rhythm disturbances that require pacing to either alleviate clinical signs or prolong survival. Most pacemakers are implanted transvenously, using endocardial leads, but rarely epicardial leads may be necessary. To decide whether a patient is a candidate for pacing, as well as which pacing modality should be used, the clinician must have a clear understanding of the etiology, the pathophysiology, and the natural history of the most common bradyarrhythmias, as well as what result can be achieved by pacing patients with different rhythm disturbances. The goal of this review was, therefore, to describe the indications for pacing by evaluating the available evidence in both human and veterinary medicine. We described the etiology of bradyarrhythmias, clinical signs and electrocardiographic abnormalities, and the choice of pacing modality, taking into account how different choices may have different physiological consequences to selected patients. It is expected that this review will assist veterinarians in recognizing arrhythmias that may require permanent pacing and the risk-benefit of each pacing modality and its impact on outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Santilli
- Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Viale Marconi 27, 21017 Samarate, Varese, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - F Giacomazzi
- Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Viale Marconi 27, 21017 Samarate, Varese, Italy
| | | | - M Perego
- Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Viale Marconi 27, 21017 Samarate, Varese, Italy
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