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Duffy M, O'Connor K, Milne D, Ondruschka B, Tse R, Garland J. Isolated Atrial Neutrophilic Myocarditis: A Rare Cause of Death and Potential "Blind Spot" for Postmortem Computed Tomography and Postmortem Examination. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2022; 43:73-75. [PMID: 35113818 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Myocarditis can focally or diffusely involve the myocardium and is associated with arrhythmia, cardiac failure, and sudden death. The majority of cases of myocarditis are lymphocytic in etiology, and neutrophilic myocarditis is relatively uncommon. Although reported in lymphocytic myocarditis, isolated/focal neutrophilic myocarditis of the atrium causing death is not reported in the postmortem literature, and its postmortem computed tomography correlation is not documented. We report a fatal case of isolated neutrophilic atrial myocarditis affecting only the left atrium in a 33-year-old woman presenting as a sudden unexpected death. Microscopy of the left atrium, a not commonly sampled area of the heart, showed florid neutrophilic myocarditis with the remaining right atrium, conduction system, and both ventricles uninvolved. Similar to previously reported fatal isolated atrial lymphocytic myocarditis, postmortem computed tomography was unable to detect any atrial abnormalities. This case highlights a potential "blind spot" for both routine postmortem imaging and examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate O'Connor
- Department of Radiology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Milne
- Department of Radiology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Imai T, Ojiro R, Kimura Y, Machida N. Pathological Features of Persistent Atrial Standstill Syndrome in Three Dogs. J Comp Pathol 2020; 180:9-15. [PMID: 33222880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The hearts of three dogs, clinically diagnosed as having persistent atrial standstill syndrome (PAS), were studied post mortem. The most significant gross findings in the hearts of all three dogs were dilatation and marked reduction in the thickness of both atrial walls. Histopathologically, all three had widespread progressive loss of the atrial myocardium with replacement by fatty or fibrofatty tissue, consistent with atrial myopathy. The lesion mainly affected the upper half of both atria and was more severe in the epimyocardium and midmyocardium than in the endomyocardium. On the basis of these observations, it is proposed that the atrial myopathy commences in the upper regions of both atria and progresses downwards, as has been demonstrated electrophysiologically in PAS in humans, and extends from the epicardium towards the endocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Imai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Ojiro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kimura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noboru Machida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Oncology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 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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Wesselowski S, Cusack K, Gordon SG, Jeffery N, Saunders AB. Artificial cardiac pacemaker placement in dogs with a cohort of myocarditis suspects and association of ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I with survival. J Vet Cardiol 2018; 22:84-95. [PMID: 30573438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Artificial cardiac pacemakers (APs) are a common treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in dogs, some of which may be triggered by underlying myocarditis. Severely elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations support a diagnosis of myocarditis. The association of ultrasensitive-cTnI (US-cTnI) concentration with survival in a large cohort of dogs receiving APs is not described. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS The study included 110 dogs receiving APs over a 5-year period. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to characterize the entire population receiving APs, with further analysis in dogs with preprocedural US-cTnI concentrations (n = 64) classified as normal/group 1 (n = 11), mildly to moderately elevated/group 2 (n = 27), and severely elevated/myocarditis suspects/group 3 (n = 26). RESULTS Median survival time was 1079 days for the entire population, 1167 days for group 2, 949 days for group 3, and not met in group 1. There was not a statistically significant difference in survival between group 2 and group 3. Overall, US-cTnI had a mild, negative association with survival. Age had a stronger negative association. Infectious etiologies were identified in a minority of group 3 cases. A possible association between severely elevated US-cTnI and a sudden death outcome was noted. CONCLUSIONS The negative association of US-cTnI with survival outcomes was mild, with age having a larger effect. Although a sudden death outcome may be seen more commonly in myocarditis suspects, group 3 survival time was similar to that of the entire canine population. Plausible infectious causes of myocarditis were infrequently identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wesselowski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA.
| | - K Cusack
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| | - S G Gordon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| | - N Jeffery
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| | - A B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
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A Rare Case of Isolated Atrial Myocarditis Causing Death With no Post Mortem Computed Tomography Scan Correlation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 39:123-125. [DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Cervenec R, Stauthammer C, Fine D, Kellihan H, Scansen B. Survival time with pacemaker implantation for dogs diagnosed with persistent atrial standstill. J Vet Cardiol 2017; 19:240-246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Presumptive partial atrial standstill secondary to atrial cardiomyopathy in a Greyhound. J Vet Cardiol 2017; 19:276-282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Schmitt K, Lefbom B. Long-term management of atrial myopathy in two dogs with single chamber permanent transvenous pacemakers. J Vet Cardiol 2016; 18:187-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to describe electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in canine babesiosis, and to relate these to clinical severity, outcome and cardiac pathology. Four groups of dogs with babesiosis were studied: mild to moderate anemia, severe anemia, concurrent autoagglutination and concurrent complications. Lead II ECG was recorded at admission for 1 minute in all dogs (121). A six lead ECG was recorded in 88 dogs. Full necropsy was performed on 16 dogs (5 died on arrival, 11 had ECG recording). The following ECG changes were recorded in relatively high prevalence: sinoatrial blocks or sinus arrest (7%), ventricular premature complexes (7%), low R-amplitude (23%), prominent Q (13%), axis deviations (40%), prolonged QRS (32%), ST depression and coving (28%), large T (42%), and notched R (28%). Differences between groups were minor. There was a significantly higher prevalence of sinus bradycardia and irregular rhythm in the non-survivors. Gross pathological changes were pericardial effusion and hemorrhages. Histological changes were hemorrhages, necrosis, inflammation and fibrin microthrombi. The only correlation between pathology and ECG was low R-amplitude and pericardial effusion. The ECG changes were similar to the pattern described for myocarditis and myocardial ischemia, and together with the histopathological findings indicated that the heart suffers from the same pathological processes described in other organs in canine babesiosis, namely inflammation and hypoxia. As the clinical application of the ECG changes found in this study was limited, cardiovascular assessment should be based on functional monitoring rather than ECG.
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Kaneshige T, Machida N, Nakao S, Doiguchi O, Katsuda S, Yamane Y. Complete Atrioventricular Block Associated with Lymphocytic Myocarditis of the Atrioventricular Node in Two Young Adult Dogs. J Comp Pathol 2007; 137:146-50. [PMID: 17673248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2007.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2006] [Accepted: 05/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A histological investigation of the atrioventricular (AV) conduction system was performed in two young adult dogs with complete AV block. In both cases, infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells into the AV node and loss and disappearance of the conduction fibres were observed. Such inflammatory lesions of the AV conduction system were associated with complete AV block. The aetiology of these changes and the cause of its location at the AV node were not elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kaneshige
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Woolley R, Blundell R, Else R, Corcoran B, Devine C, French A. Atrial myocarditis as a cause of sinus arrest in a dog. J Small Anim Pract 2007; 48:455-7. [PMID: 17425699 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A 10-year-old male cairn terrier cross was presented with a history of myxomatous mitral valve disease diagnosed six months previously and with a four-week history of intermittent collapse. On 24 hour electrocardiograph (Holter) analysis, periods of no discernable electrical cardiac activity, which coincided with three collapsing episodes, were identified. Unfortunately, on re-presentation for removal of the Holter monitor, the dog collapsed and died. A post-mortem examination was conducted, and histology of the right and left atrium showed evidence of myocarditis. This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of collapse because of electrical asystole in a dog with atrial myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Woolley
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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Abstract
A domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a 1-month history of cardiomegaly and recurrent chylothorax. The heart rate was 130 beats/min and no P waves were present on a surface electrocardiogram. Thoracic radiographs and an echocardiogram demonstrated severe biatrial dilatation, pleural effusion and restrictive pleural disease. Permanent atrial standstill was suspected. Pleurocentesis was performed and therapy was started with enalapril, frusemide and aspirin. Intracardiac electrograms revealed no atrial activity, and atrial pacing failed to elicit atrial or ventricular depolarisations. The patient was euthanased. Necropsy showed severe atrial wall thinning with marked cardiocyte loss. Persistent atrial standstill is a rare disease in the cat. Clinical signs may have been due to loss of atrial function, ventricular diastolic dysfunction, bradycardia, neurohormonal activation and reduced atrial natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Gavaghan
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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