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Cardiac function, morphology and chromosomal aberrations in a calf with ectopia cordis cervicalis
U Windberger1, G Forstenpointner, F Grabenwöger
1II. Surgical Department, University of Vienna, Austria.
Zentralblatt Fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A
|December 1, 1992
Summary
This study details a calf with ectopia cordis, a rare heart defect. Despite compensated cardiac insufficiency and hypertension, the animal survived to 22 months, showing exercise intolerance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Animal Cytogenetics
Background:
- Ectopia cordis cervicalis inferior is a rare congenital heart malformation.
- Investigating the clinical and hemodynamic impact of this condition is crucial for understanding its long-term effects.
Observation:
- A male calf with ectopia cordis cervicalis inferior was monitored from day 3 to 22 months of age.
- Clinical, hemodynamic, and morphological assessments revealed arterial hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy, and normal valve function at rest.
- Exercise induced cyanosis and dyspnea, indicating compromised cardiac function during increased demand.
Findings:
- Hemodynamic assessment showed arterial hypertension (mean AOP 140 mm Hg) and good ventricular contractility.
- Morphological findings included variations in large vessels and abrupt arterial caliber differences, contributing to increased afterload.
- Cytogenetic analysis revealed mosaicism with a marker chromosome (61 chromosomes in a fraction of cells) and chromosome breakages.
Implications:
- The calf exhibited compensated cardiac insufficiency with peripheral hypertension.
- The condition did not appear to be heritable, as ectopia cordis was not observed in offspring from pregnant cows.
- This case highlights the complex interplay of congenital defects, cardiovascular adaptation, and cytogenetic abnormalities in a large animal model.