Case Studies In Small Animal

Cardiovascular Medicine

Case 21

Echocardiograms

Right parasternal short-axis view of the left ventricle

This cross-sectional view of the left ventricle (LV) at the level of the papillary muscles shows several things. The interventricular septal thickness (above the LV label) is normal (4 mm). The left ventricular free wall (LVFW) thickness, however, is markedly increased (10 mm). The two papillary muscles (immediately below the LV label) are prominent. There is pericardial effusion (PE). A mass (arrowheads) is present in the pericardial effusion that is immediately below the region of the left auricle.

Right parasternal short-axis view of the left atrium

This shows the left atrium (LA) in comparison to the size of the aorta in the middle (in cross-section).

Right parasternal long-axis view of the left ventricle and left atrium

This view shows clumped red cells swirling in the left atrium (LA) producing spontaneous contrast (echocardiographic smoke). LV - left ventricle

Obliqued view of the left atrium

This view again shows the clumped red cells in the left atrium (LA). In real time these clumped cells could be seen to swirl slowly in and through the left atrium.

Quiz

Correct Quiz

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