Comprehensive echocardiographic protocol for pigs with emphasis on diastolic function: advantages over MRI...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular research
• Translational medicine
• Veterinary cardiology

Background:

• Swine are valuable models for human cardiovascular research, especially for diastolic dysfunction.
• Echocardiography offers real-time assessment of cardiac function, complementing MRI.
• Standardized methods are lacking, leading to variability in swine echocardiography studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive, standardized guide for echocardiography in Yorkshire pigs.
• To detail anatomical considerations, equipment, and technical approaches for reliable image acquisition.
• To enhance the consistency and interpretability of echocardiographic data in preclinical cardiovascular research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic approaches for obtaining standard echocardiographic views (right parasternal, apical, subcostal) in pigs.
• Addressing anatomical variations specific to porcine cardiac orientation and transducer positioning.
• Incorporating standardized sedation, specialized equipment, and integrated ECG monitoring.

Main Results:

• The described tomographic views enable comprehensive assessment of systolic and diastolic function.
• Measurements include ventricular volumes, dimensions, wall thickness, ejection fraction, and Doppler velocities.
• Standardized methodology enhances data reliability and strengthens translational research outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This standardized echocardiography protocol improves data consistency in cardiovascular pig models.
• It enhances the interpretation of preclinical study results and strengthens translational research.
• The protocol supports veterinary applications and longitudinal studies in swine models.