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Imperforated cor triatriatum dexter in a dog with concurrent caudal vena cava wall mineralization
Tetyda Paulina Dobak1, Gregory Starrak2, Kathleen Linn2
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands. T.P.Dobak@uu.nl.
Insights
This case report details the first instance of imperforate cor triatriatum dexter separating the caudal vena cava from the right atrium in a dog. Surgical correction successfully treated the condition, resolving ascites in a young Golden Retriever.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Congenital Cardiac Malformations
- Canine Cardiovascular Disease
Background:
- Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly in dogs, often presenting with signs of right heart failure or Budd-Chiari-like syndrome.
- Concurrent cardiovascular anomalies are frequently observed with CTD, complicating diagnosis and management.
- Multimodal imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and characterization of this complex condition.
Observation:
- A 10-week-old Golden Retriever presented with stunted growth, anorexia, and progressive ascites.
- The dog was diagnosed with imperforate CTD, causing separation of the caudal vena cava (CdVC) from the right atrium (RA).
- Concurrent venous wall mineralization was also noted, alongside signs of hepatic involvement.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed using echocardiography, non-selective angiography, computed tomography angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- This represents the first reported case of imperforate CTD with CdVC-RA separation and associated mineralization in a canine patient.
- The condition was successfully treated with surgery, leading to a full recovery and return to normal activity.
Implications:
- Imperforate CTD is a significant, yet potentially correctable, cause of ascites in young dogs.
- Accurate diagnosis of this complex cardiac anomaly is vital for selecting effective curative treatment strategies.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare congenital heart defects in veterinary medicine.
Background:
Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation with various manifestations and has been sporadically described in dogs. Clinically the dogs present with nonspecific signs of right heart failure or Budd-Chiari-like syndrome. Other associated concurrent cardiovascular anomalies are commonly reported. Diagnosis and full characterization of this complex malformation requires careful investigation and often a multimodal imaging approach.
Case Presentation:
A 10-week-old, male intact, Golden Retriever was presented with clinical signs of stunted growth, anorexia, and progressive ascites. CTD imperforate with sole separation of the caudal vena cava (CdVC) and concurrent venous wall mineralization was conjointly diagnosed and fully characterized by echocardiography, non-selective angiography, computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This was successfully treated surgically and the dog returned to normal activity.
Conclusion:
To the author's knowledge, this is the first case of CTD imperforate separating the CdVC from the right atrium (RA) with presumed secondary CdCV wall and hepatic parenchyma mineralization reported in a dog. CTD is an important and potentially correctable cause for the development of ascites in a young puppy. Accurate diagnosis of this complex cardiac anomaly is important for selection of the most appropriate curative treatment option.
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