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Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in two cats

A M Harvey1, I A Battersby, M Faena

  • 1University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Division of Companion Animals, Langford House, Langford, Bristol.

The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|March 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare cardiac disease in animals, characterized by fibro-fatty tissue infiltration. This study details ARVC in two cats presenting with heart failure and arrhythmias, highlighting its potential severity.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Cardiology
  • Pathology
  • Animal Health

Background:

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a primary myocardial disease.
  • It is characterized by fibro-fatty infiltration of the myocardium.
  • ARVC is a significant cause of sudden cardiac death in humans, but is rarely reported in animals.

Observation:

  • This report details two feline cases of ARVC.
  • Cats presented with clinical signs of right-sided congestive heart failure and syncope.
  • Electrocardiography revealed complete atrioventricular block and ventricular ectopics, including ventricular tachycardia.

Findings:

  • Echocardiography showed marked right ventricular and atrial dilation with hypokinesis.
  • Histopathology confirmed fibro-fatty infiltration of the myocardium, primarily in the right ventricular free wall.
  • Survival times post-diagnosis were short, averaging 9.5 days.

Implications:

  • This study expands the understanding of ARVC in veterinary medicine.
  • It highlights the importance of considering ARVC in cats with heart failure and arrhythmias.
  • Further research into ARVC in feline populations is warranted.

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