1
|
van Staveren MDB, Muis E, Szatmári V. Self-Reported Utilization of International (ACVIM Consensus) Guidelines and the Latest Clinical Trial Results on the Treatment of Dogs with Various Stages of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration: A Survey among Veterinary Practitioners. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:772. [PMID: 38473157 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050772] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration is the most common canine heart disease. Several clinical trials have investigated various treatments. The latest recommendations are published in the ACVIM consensus guidelines (2019). Our study aimed to investigate how closely veterinary practitioners apply the treatment recommendations of these guidelines and the latest clinical trials. METHODS An online survey was sent to Dutch and Belgian veterinary practices via digital channels. RESULTS The data from 363 fully completed surveys were analyzed. For stage B1 disease, 93% recommended, correctly, no treatment. For stage B2 disease, 67% of the respondents recommended starting pimobendan as monotherapy. For chronic treatment of stage C disease, 16 different drug combinations were mentioned, but nobody recommended surgery. Only 48% of the respondents recommended the only evidence-based drug combination: a loop diuretic with pimobendan. A concerning finding was the simultaneous prescription of two loop diuretics, by 19% of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS Treatment recommendations showed an increasing variation with more advanced disease stages from B1 through B2 to C. This reflects the increasing disagreement among the panelists who prepared the ACVIM consensus guidelines. Practitioners of our study seem to practice more evidence-based medicine than veterinary cardiologists, as it was reported in a recent survey-based study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie D B van Staveren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Muis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Viktor Szatmári
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vereb M, Atkins CE, Adin D, Blondel T, Coffman M, Lee S, Guillot E, Ward JL. Efficacy of a mitral regurgitation severity index to predict long-term outcome in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:51-60. [PMID: 37909399 PMCID: PMC10800232 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predicting progression of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs can be challenging. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES The mitral regurgitation severity index (MRSI) will predict time to congestive heart failure (CHF) and all-cause death in dogs with MMVD. ANIMALS Eight hundred sixty-nine client-owned dogs. METHODS Retrospective study pooling data from 4 previous samples including dogs with MMVD stage B2 or C. MRSI was calculated as: (heart rate [HR]/120) × left atrium-to-aorta ratio (LA:Ao) × (age in years/10) × 100. Alternative MRSI formulas substituting radiographic measures of left atrial size were also calculated. Cox proportional hazard modeling and time-dependent receiver-operator characteristic curves quantified prognostic performance. RESULTS For Stage B2 pooled samples, MRSI > 156 was predictive of time to CHF (median 407 vs 1404 days; area under the curve [AUC] 0.68; hazard ratio 3.02 [95% CI 1.9-4.9]; P < .001). MRSI > 173 was predictive of all-cause death (median survival 868 vs 1843 days; AUC 0.64; hazard ratio 4.26 [95% CI 2.4-7.5]; P < .001). MRSI showed superior predictive value compared to the individual variables of HR, LA:Ao, and age. Variations of the MRSI equation substituting radiographic vertebral left atrial size for LA:Ao were also significantly predictive of outcome in stage B2. MRSI was not consistently predictive of outcome in Stage C. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE MRSI was predictive of outcome (onset of CHF and all-cause death) in MMVD Stage B2, demonstrating utility as a useful prognostic tool. Echocardiographic LA:Ao can be effectively replaced by radiographically determined LA size in the MRSI formula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Vereb
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Clarke E. Atkins
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Darcy Adin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jessica L. Ward
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marbella Fernández D, Montoya-Alonso JA. Radiographic Left Atrial Size Measurement of Dogs in Different Mitral Valve Disease Stages with Four Different Methods. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3835. [PMID: 38136872 PMCID: PMC10741156 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The left atrial size increases (LAS) in patients with mitral valve disease (MVD) as the disease progresses. The vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), the modified-vertebral left atrial size (M-VLAS), and the radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) are methods reported to assess LAS on dogs' radiographs. All these methods transform the LAS into vertebral units. The thoracic inlet (TI) has been used as a reliable reference point to measure the cardiac silhouette of dogs with MVD in different stages. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical utility of measuring a dog LAS on right thoracic X-rays using the TI as a reference and determine whether it could differentiate dogs in different MVD stages. LAS was divided by the TI to obtain the thoracic inlet left atrial score (TILAS). This was a retrospective observational study including 135 apparently healthy dogs performed to assess their LAS with four different methods: VLAS, M-VLAS, RLAD, and TILAS. Thirty-six dogs from the general population were selected and compared to 100 dogs in different MVD stages. The TILAS was significantly different between the control dogs and MVD dogs, increasing with the disease stage: control dogs 0.51 ± 0.08, B1 0.57 ± 0.14, B2 0.75 ± 0.13, and C 0.84 ± 0.18. VLAS, M-VLAS, and RLAD also increased as the disease progressed, as shown in previous studies. The TILAS accuracy to distinguish MVD dogs with cardiac enlargement was comparable to VLAS, M-VLAS, and RLAD (AUC 0.91 vs. 0.93, 0.90, and 0.94 respectively). A TILAS > 0.8 can identify dogs with cardiac enlargement secondary to MVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Marbella Fernández
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- CEU Small Animal Hospital, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ross ES, Visser LC, Sbardellati N, Potter BM, Ohlendorf A, Scansen BA. Utility of vertebral left atrial size and vertebral heart size to aid detection of congestive heart failure in dogs with respiratory signs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2021-2029. [PMID: 37882250 PMCID: PMC10658574 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiating cardiogenic vs noncardiogenic causes of respiratory signs can be challenging when echocardiography is unavailable. Radiographic vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) and vertebral heart size (VHS) have been shown to predict echocardiographic left heart size, with VLAS specifically estimating left atrial size. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Compare the diagnostic accuracy of VLAS and VHS to predict left-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs presenting with respiratory signs. ANIMALS One-hundred fourteen dogs with respiratory signs and radiographic pulmonary abnormalities. METHODS Retrospective cross-sectional study. Dogs had to have an echocardiogram and thoracic radiographs obtained within 24 hours. Diagnosis of CHF was confirmed based on the presence of respiratory signs, cardiac disease, LA enlargement, and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. RESULTS Fifty-seven dogs had CHF and 57 did not have CHF. Compared to VHS (area under the curve [AUC] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.91), VLAS was a significantly (P = .03) more accurate predictor of CHF (AUC, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.96). Optimal cutoff for VLAS was >2.3 vertebrae (sensitivity, 93.0%; specificity, 82.5%). Murmur grade (P = .02) and VLAS (P < .0001) were independently associated with CHF and VHS was not. Increased VHS (54%) was significantly (P = .01) more common than increased VLAS (24%) in dogs without CHF. Results were similar in a subsample of older and smaller dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE When echocardiography is unavailable, VLAS and murmur grade have clinically utility to aid in differentiating cardiogenic from noncardiogenic respiratory signs. These findings might be especially useful to help rule out CHF in dogs with increased VHS that present with respiratory signs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan S. Ross
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Lance C. Visser
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Nicholas Sbardellati
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Brianna M. Potter
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Alex Ohlendorf
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Brian A. Scansen
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marbella Fernández D, García V, Santana AJ, Montoya-Alonso JA. The Thoracic Inlet Length as a Reference Point to Radiographically Assess Cardiac Enlargement in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2666. [PMID: 37627458 PMCID: PMC10451611 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic value of the vertebral heart size (VHS) in dogs with mitral valve degeneration (MVD) is compromised when middle thoracic vertebral anomalies are present. The objective of this study was to assess the use of the thoracic inlet heart score (TIHS) to identify left heart enlargement (LHE) secondary to MVD. The cardiac silhouette of 50 clinically healthy dogs and 106 MVD dogs in different stages was assessed on a right lateral chest radiograph. The TIHS and VHS value were calculated for each patient and compared. The TIHS was significantly different between the control dogs and the dogs with MMVD, increasing with disease stage, control 2.91 ± 0.23, Stage B1 2.98 ± 0.36, B2 3.25 ± 0.34, and C 3.53 ± 0.36, p < 0.05. A THIS ≥3.3 showed 69% sensitivity and 81% specificity to identify LHE. The TIHS showed moderate correlation with the VHS, LA/Ao, and LVIDDN 0.59, 0.42, and 0.62, respectively. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement were almost perfect, 0.96, and substantial, 0.73. The TIHS method can be used to identify LHE secondary to MMVD on dogs' thoracic radiographs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Marbella Fernández
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- CEU Small Animal Hospital, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Szatmári V, Hofman ZMM, van Bijsterveldt NJ, Tellegen AR, Vilaplana Grosso FR. A Novel Standardized Method for Aiding to Determine Left Atrial Enlargement on Lateral Thoracic Radiographs in Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2178. [PMID: 37443976 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left atrial enlargement indicates severe cardiac disease. Although the gold standard for determining left atrial size is echocardiography, many veterinary practices lack the necessary equipment and expertise. Therefore, thoracic radiography is often used to differentiate cardiogenic pulmonary edema from primary respiratory diseases and to facilitate distinguishing dogs with stage B1 and B2 mitral valve degeneration. METHODS The goal was to test a new standardized method for identifying radiographic left atrial enlargement. On a lateral radiograph, a straight line was drawn from the dorsal border of the tracheal bifurcation to the crossing point of the dorsal border of the caudal vena cava and the most cranial crus of the diaphragm. If a part of the left atrium extended this line dorsally, it was considered enlarged. Echocardiographic left atrial to aortic ratio (LA:Ao) was used as a reference. Thirty-nine observers with various levels of experience evaluated 90 radiographs, first subjectively, then applying the new method. RESULTS The new method moderately correlated with LA:Ao (r = 0.56-0.66) in all groups. The diagnostic accuracy (72-74%) of the subjective assessment and the new method showed no difference. CONCLUSIONS Though the new method was not superior to subjective assessment, it may facilitate learning and subjective interpretation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Szatmári
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zelie M M Hofman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke J van Bijsterveldt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna R Tellegen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Federico R Vilaplana Grosso
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Comparison of different radiographic scores with associated echocardiographic measurements and prediction of heart enlargement in dogs with and without myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Vet Cardiol 2022; 44:1-12. [PMID: 36174296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Staging of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) requires an echocardiographic examination along with thoracic radiographs. The aims of this study were to calculate mean values for radiographic scores vertebral heart size (VHS), left atrial width (LAWidth), radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD), and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) in conventional and grayscale inverted images in healthy dogs and dogs with different stages of MMVD, and to find cutoff values for a stage assignment. ANIMALS One hundred fifty dogs in different stages of MMVD and 50 unaffected dogs were evaluated. METHODS Radiographic scores, echocardiographic left atrium-to-aorta ratio and normalized left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole, and results of a clinical examination were obtained. Analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between radiographic scores and echocardiographic values, to determine cutoff values for a radiographic stage assignment, and to compare measurements in conventional and inverted radiographs. RESULTS After excluding breed-specific higher VHS, the means of VHS, LAWidth, RLAD, and VLAS were similar in the control group and stage B1. All radiographic scores increased in stages B2 and C. The cutoff values identifying heart enlargement, and therefore differentiating stages B1 and B2, were 11.0 for VHS, 1.8 for LAWidth, 2.0 for RLAD, and 2.3 for VLAS. Besides RLAD, scores were similar in conventional and inverted radiographs. CONCLUSION Cutoff values for the different radiographic scores for stage assignment were calculated. Radiographic cardiac scores using either conventional or inverted grayscale could be a tool to differentiate between different stages of MMVD when echocardiography is unavailable.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wiegel PS, Mach R, Nolte I, Freise F, Levicar C, Merhof K, Bach JP. Breed-specific values for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in pugs without cardiac disease, and their relationship to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274085. [PMID: 36054125 PMCID: PMC9439199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This prospective study aims to establish reference ranges for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in pugs. The impact of clinical severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), gender, body condition score, and body weight on VHS, VLAS, and RLAD were investigated. Intra- and interobserver correlation was determined. Correlation of radiographic scores to echocardiographic left atrial dimension was inspected. Additionally, for VLAS and RLAD, correlation to VHS was examined. Additionally, an assessment of thoracic and vertebral malformations was performed. Forty-seven privately owned pugs underwent physical examination, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography to determine cardiac health. Thirty-two pugs were eligible for establishing reference ranges for VHS in right lateral radiographs, which was 11.25 ± 0.62 (95% range, 10.1–12.8). Reference ranges for VHS in left lateral, and for VLAS and RLAD in right lateral radiograph were determined in 30 pugs. The VHS in left lateral radiograph was 11.01 ± 0.70 (95% range, 9.4–12.6), VLAS was 1.96 ± 0.38 (95% range, 1.1–2.8), and RLAD was 1.59 ± 0.34 (95% range, 0.7–2.4). Clinical severity of BOAS did not show any impact on radiographic measurements. For VLAS, a significant correlation to VHS was detected by all observers. No other variables had a consistent influence on the radiographic scores given by all observers. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for VHS (0.89 on right lateral and 0.91 on left lateral image), moderate for VLAS (0.49), and fair for RLAD (0.22). More than one third of the entire study population (18 of 47 pugs) showed at least one thoracic cavity or spine abnormality, often leading to considerable changes in vertebral body shape and size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Saskia Wiegel
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rebekka Mach
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Fritjof Freise
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Charanthorn Levicar
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Merhof
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Bach
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gordon SG, Saunders AB, Wesselowski SR. Asymptomatic Canine Degenerative Valve Disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:819-840. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
10
|
Vertebral Heart Scale for the Brittany Spaniel: Breed-Specific Range and Its Correlation with Heart Disease Assessed by Clinical and Echocardiographic Findings. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120300. [PMID: 34941827 PMCID: PMC8708192 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebral heart scale (VHS) was proposed by Buchanan and Bucheler as an objective method for estimating heart size in dogs. However, several studies have reported significant variation between breeds. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the VHS and to suggest a useful upper limit for normal heart size in Brittany Spaniels. The VHS was measured using a right lateral view in twenty-eight normal dogs and fifteen dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. The mean ± SD (standard deviation) VHS was 10.6 ± 0.2 vertebrae (v) in the normal dogs, which differs significantly from the mean VHS of 9.7 ± 0.5 v in Buchanan’s original study with dogs of various breeds. The VHS in the dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease was 11.9 ± 1.1 v. With a threshold value of 11.1 vertebrae, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for diagnosing a cardiomegaly are 90%, 72%, 53% and 96%, respectively.
Collapse
|
11
|
Baisan RA, Vulpe V. Vertebral heart size and vertebral left atrial size reference ranges in healthy Maltese dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2021; 63:18-22. [PMID: 34585453 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cardiac measurements on thoracic radiography in veterinary medicine are vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS). Previously published studies have demonstrated evidence that reference ranges for these measures vary among different dog breeds, however reference ranges for Maltese breed dogs are currently lacking. We hypothesized that VHS and VLAS in healthy Maltese dogs would not be influenced by sex, age, or bodyweight. This retrospective, reference interval study aimed to describe reference intervals for VHS and VLAS in a sample of clinically healthy Maltese dogs and assess the intra- and interobserver variabilities for VLAS and VHS measurements. A total of 81 clinically healthy Maltese dogs were included, with healthy status being based on a complete cardiologic examination. Thoracic radiography in right lateral recumbency was performed for all dogs. The intra- and interobserver variability assessments of VHS and VLAS were based on measurements independently performed by three observers. The mean VHS was 9.53 ± 0.46 vertebrae (v). The median and interquartile range (IQR) for VLAS was 2 v (IQR, 1.8-2.1v). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was observed between VHS and VLAS (P < .01, r = 0.416). Both VHS and VLAS showed an almost perfect intraobserver agreement. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for VHS and substantial for VLAS. Findings supported previous studies recommending the use of breed-specific reference values for VHS and VLAS, and provided background data for future radiographic evaluations of Maltese dogs with clinical signs of cardiac disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radu Andrei Baisan
- Department of Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Applied Life Sciences and Environment "Ion Ionescu de la Brad", Iași, Romania
| | - Vasile Vulpe
- Department of Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Applied Life Sciences and Environment "Ion Ionescu de la Brad", Iași, Romania
| |
Collapse
|