Imaging diagnosis--intrapericardial right auricle aneurysm in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Diagnostic Imaging in Animals
• Canine Pathology

Background:

• A cough in an 11-year-old Pekinese prompted an examination.
• Radiographs revealed cardiomegaly and a cranial mediastinal mass.
• Echocardiography indicated chronic degenerative valvular disease.

Observation:

• A large, anechoic structure was identified cranial to the right atrium.
• Computed tomography (CT) defined the mediastinal mass as a right auricle aneurysm.
• The dog experienced sudden death the day after imaging.

Findings:

• Necropsy confirmed an intrapericardial right auricular aneurysm.
• The aneurysm did not involve discontinuity of the pericardial sac.
• This condition can mimic other mediastinal masses.

Implications:

• Intrapericardial right auricular aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of canine cranial mediastinal masses.
• This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing complex cardiac and mediastinal abnormalities.
• Understanding this rare condition aids in veterinary diagnosis and potentially in predicting outcomes.