Related Experiment Videos
Giant right atrial diverticulum in a foal
Janet C Patterson-Kane1, Lenn R Harrison
1Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40511, USA.
Summary
A rare congenital heart anomaly, a giant right atrial diverticulum, was found in a foal. This finding is the first reported case in foals, potentially linking to heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- A 5-month-old Thoroughbred foal presented with chronic septic arthritis and respiratory distress.
- Postmortem examination was conducted due to the foal's deteriorating condition.
Observation:
- A large diverticulum was identified, originating from the right atrium of the heart.
- This anatomical abnormality communicated with the lateral aspect of the right atrial cavity.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed the diverticulum's wall consisted of myocardial tissue.
- Cavernous vascular spaces were present within the diverticulum's wall.
- Evidence of right-sided heart failure was observed both grossly and histologically.
Implications:
- Congenital right atrial diverticula are exceedingly rare cardiac anomalies.
- This case represents the first documented instance of such a diverticulum in a foal.
- The anomaly may be associated with the observed right-sided heart failure, offering new insights into equine cardiovascular pathologies.