4,503
edits
Changes
Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Feline Cardiomyopathies (view source)
Revision as of 21:34, 2 December 2012
, 21:34, 2 December 2012→Diagnosis
* Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is common
* Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is common
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Radiographs===
Radiographs are important to evaluate for congestive heart failure, but do not diagnosed the underlying cardiac disease. Radiographic signs typically include generalised cardiomegaly and atrial dilation. Loss of abdominal detail would suggest ascites as a result of right-sided congestive heart failure. One case series of cats with DCM suggested that pleural effusion (91%) and ascites (55%) are more common than pulmonary oedema (36%).
===Echocardiography===
===Two Dimensional and M-Mode===
* Increased end diastolic LV diameter
* Increased end systolic LV diameter ≥14mm
* Fractional shortening ≤28%
DCM is defined as primary myocardial failure, which can be diagnosed by a reduced fractional shortening and increased LV end-systolic diameter. Eccentric hypertrophy, which occurs as a result of volume overload, results in an increased end-diastolic diameter. Left atrial (LA) dilation occurs secondary to elevated LV filling pressures.
Mild atrioventricular valve (mitral, tricuspid) insufficiency is common. This occurs secondary to dilation of the valve annulus and distortion of the papillary muscles, such that the valve no longer seals closed within the dilated heart during systole.
Spontaneous echocontrast and thrombi within the dilated atria are common findings. Mild pericardial effusion is also commonly identified.
==Differential Diagnoses==
==Differential Diagnoses==
The differentials for systolic myocardial failure in the cat include:
The differentials for systolic myocardial failure in the cat include: