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Three-dimensional modeling of a patent ductus arteriosus in a cat
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Sciences and Biomedical Devices, College Station, TX, USA.
Insights
A patent ductus arteriosus in a cat was diagnosed using computed tomography angiography. This imaging technique created a 3D model for surgical planning and better understanding of cardiac anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- 3D Modeling
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect.
- Diagnosis in small animals can be challenging.
- Advanced imaging may improve surgical planning.
Observation:
- A 13-week-old domestic Shorthair cat presented with a continuous murmur.
- Echocardiography revealed cardiomegaly and ductal abnormalities.
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was chosen for detailed anatomical assessment.
Findings:
- CTA provided multi-dimensional visualization of the heart and great vessels.
- A 3D model was generated from the CTA dataset.
- The model accurately depicted in situ cardiac anatomy.
Implications:
- 3D models enhance surgical procedural planning for PDA.
- Improved visuospatial understanding aids veterinary training.
- CTA is a valuable tool for complex congenital heart disease in cats.
Abstract:
A left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed in a 13-week-old, 2.5 kg, male, domestic Shorthair cat with a continuous murmur. Echocardiographic abnormalities were identified, including: cardiomegaly, wide and presumably short ductal ampulla, and a large right branch pulmonary artery. When these findings were combined with the small patient size, additional imaging was considered prior to surgical ligation, and computed tomography angiography was preferred over standard angiography to provide multi-dimensional appreciation of the anatomy prior to surgery. The dataset from a computed tomography angiographic study performed prior to surgical ligation was used to create a three-dimensional model of the heart and great vessels. The rendered images accurately depicted the cardiac anatomy in situ, which can be utilized for surgical procedural planning and to enhance visuospatial understanding of the anatomy at all levels of training.
