Naturally occurring aortic aneurysms in owl monkeys (Aotus spp.)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Primate Medicine
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Spontaneous aortic aneurysms are rare in non-human primates.
• Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) represent a unique model for studying cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding aneurysm formation is crucial for primate health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the incidence and characteristics of spontaneous aortic aneurysms in owl monkeys.
• To identify potential risk factors or associations, such as karyotype.
• To contribute to the understanding of aortic aneurysm etiopathogenesis in this species.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy examination of 22 diagnosed owl monkeys.
• Histological classification of aortic lesions (dissecting vs. saccular).
• Analysis of lesion occurrence in relation to monkey karyotype.

Main Results:

• Aortic aneurysms were diagnosed in 22 owl monkeys (6 males, 16 females).
• Lesions ranged from 2 mm to 3 cm; 19 were dissecting, 3 saccular.
• Aneurysms were less frequent in karyotype I monkeys compared to karyotypes II and III.

Conclusions:

• Spontaneous aortic aneurysms occur in owl monkeys with varying clinical presentations.
• Histological subtypes and karyotype appear to influence lesion occurrence.
• The precise etiopathogenesis of aortic aneurysms in owl monkeys remains undetermined.