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Left atrial volume and function in Cavalier King Charles spaniels at different ACVIM stages
Paolo Savarino1, Serena Crosara2, Marco Poggi3
1Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy.
Research in Veterinary Science
|October 8, 2024
Summary
Left atrial remodeling is evident in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with early-stage degenerative mitral valve disease. Atrial dysfunction is apparent in symptomatic dogs, highlighting the importance of assessing left atrial size and function.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Canine Echocardiography
- Mitral Valve Disease
Background:
- Accurate assessment of left atrial (LA) size and function is crucial for evaluating degenerative mitral valve disease severity in dogs.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) are predisposed to mitral valve disease, making them a key breed for cardiac research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate left atrial (LA) dimensions and function in CKCS across different ACVIM disease stages.
- To assess the accuracy of linear and volumetric echocardiographic indexes for detecting LA enlargement in CKCS.
Main Methods:
- A multicentric prospective observational study involving 198 privately owned CKCS.
- Echocardiographic examinations were performed for breed screening and cardiac assessments.
- Linear and volumetric LA size and function indexes were compared between ACVIM disease stages.
Main Results:
- Left atrial anteroposterior diameter normalized on body weight (LADn) and LA volumes (LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVP) differed significantly across all pairwise comparisons.
- Active LA emptying fraction (aLAEF) initially increased in ACVIM B1 stage dogs (suggesting Frank-Starling mechanism) and subsequently decreased in symptomatic (ACVIM C/D) dogs.
- LA remodeling was detected in early disease stages (ACVIM B1 vs. A), and atrial dysfunction was evident in symptomatic dogs.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial remodeling is present in CKCS even at the early ACVIM B1 stage of degenerative mitral valve disease.
- Atrial dysfunction is clearly evident in symptomatic dogs with advanced disease.
- LADn and LAV measurements are valuable indicators of LA changes in CKCS affected by mitral valve disease.
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