Case Studies In Small Animal

Cardiovascular Medicine

Home Up . Radiographs ECG 2D Echo PA Echo M-Mode Color Flow Doppler Liver Diagnosis

Case 12

Echocardiograms of the pulmonary arteries

mpa.jpg (19912 bytes)

This is a non standard view of the right ventricle (RV) and main pulmonary artery (MPA). The MPA is markedly enlarged suggesting that there is either very high pressure or very high flow in it. One of the pulmonic valve cusps can be seen open. It appears moderately thick.

 

rpa2.jpg (19345 bytes)

In this right parasternal cross-sectional view of the base of the heart, the main pulmonary artery diameter is much larger than the diameter of the root of the aorta (Ao). Normally they should be similar in diameter. The pulmonic valve cusps look moderately thick. The right caudal lobar pulmonary artery (RPA) is also markedly enlarged. The same mass that was observed on cross-section on the previous page can be seen at the terminal portion of the RPA (arrow). This mass was not mobile. RVOT, right ventricular outflow tract.

 

©Mark D. Kittleson, D.V.M., Ph.D. All rights reserved.