Echocardiographic and Doppler diagnosis: first case of atrial septal aneurysm in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a significant cardiac condition in felines, often leading to fluid accumulation.
• Atrial septal abnormalities, though rare, can complicate cardiac diagnoses.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old cat presented with pleural and abdominal effusion, indicative of advanced heart disease.
• Cardiac imaging revealed restrictive cardiomyopathy, severe biatrial dilation, and hypertension.

Findings:

• The cardiomyopathy was associated with a large atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) involving the entire septum.
• A patent foramen ovale was also identified, confirmed by necropsy and histology.
• ASA is a rare malformation often co-occurring with congenital or acquired heart disease.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare congenital defects like ASA in feline cardiac disease.
• Understanding the pathophysiology of ASA, potentially linked to atrial pressure gradients, is crucial for diagnosis.
• Further research into feline congenital heart malformations can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.