Page 234 - Feline diagnostic imaging

13.15 ­Right Heaht ComaCoRiH HeConeary htCo HaReeanReal EEfiRCon alHfaeal EEfiRCo 237

(b)

(a)

(c) (d)

Figure 13.34 A gallop rhythm was present in a 12-year-old DSH presenting for loss of motor function in the right forelimb. On the
lateral (a) and ventrodorsal (b) images of the thorax, the cardiac silhouette is enlarged and rounded. “Smoke” is seen within the greatly
dilated left atrium (c) and a thrombus is present within the left auricle (d).

infectious peritonitis (FIP), hypoalbuminemia, pericar­ collapse of the right atrium and potentially the right ventri­
ditis, systemic infection, and peritoneopericardial dia­ cle. If the size of the atrium is normal, then a cardiac cause
phragmatic hernia. Postmortem findings in 39 cats were of the pleural effusion would be considered less likely [17].
similar, with neoplasia occurring slightly more fre­ M‐mode tracing across the right and left atrium from a
quently than cardiac failure. Neoplasia found in the post­ right parasternal long axis view will document the degree
mortem group included lymphosarcoma and of collapse. Collapse of the right heart, initially the right
adenocarcinoma [33]. atrium, in diastole is consistent with elevated pressure and
Cats with moderate to severe pleural effusion without the development of cardiac tamponade. The pericardium
evidence of primary cardiac disease can show varying will appear thickened with chronic pleural effusion.