Cor triatriatum sinister with partial atrioventricular septal defect in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease in Animals
• Feline Echocardiography

Background:

• Congenital heart disease can lead to significant clinical signs in cats.
• Early diagnosis and understanding of complex cardiac malformations are crucial for patient management.
• Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) and atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) are rare cardiac anomalies.

Observation:

• A 6-year-old Turkish Angora cat presented with tachypnea and was found to have severe cardiomegaly.
• Thoracic radiographs showed enlarged atria and ventricles, with pulmonary vascular changes.
• Echocardiography revealed a membrane dividing the left atrium, an atrial septal defect, and tricuspid valve abnormalities.

Findings:

• Echocardiographic findings were consistent with cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) and a partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD).
• Abnormal blood flow patterns between the left atrium, right atrium, and left ventricle were identified.
• The study highlights the utility of echocardiography in diagnosing complex congenital heart defects in cats.

Implications:

• This case report contributes to the understanding of rare congenital cardiac malformations in felines.
• Accurate echocardiographic diagnosis of CTS with AVSD is essential for appropriate veterinary care.
• Further research into the prevalence and management of such conditions in cats is warranted.