Interatrial septal aneurysm associated with patent foramen ovale in a dog - case report

ABSTRACT Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a rare congenital deformity of variable clinical relevance, often reported in association with patent foramen ovale (PFO). Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE) is the first choice for diagnosis, but complementary techniques, such as microbubble contrast, should be used. Despite its importance, in Veterinary Medicine, there is little information related to the subject, and the present study is the second report of this condition in dogs. The objective was to report a case of ASA type IV LR associated with PFO in a Shar Pei bitch, diagnosed by a combined approach of transthoracic echocardiography backed by agitated saline solution (microbubbles). During clinical care, the owners reported episodes of seizures as their main complaint. Echocardiographic examination revealed a type 4 LR atrial septal aneurysm and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The use of microbubble contrast showed right-to-left shunt, confirming PFO. The recommended treatment was medication. It was concluded that the rarity of ASA in dogs may be due to incomplete diagnoses and the transthoracic echocardiographic examination allows its analysis and classification. Furthermore, ASA can be found in animals with or without evidence of heart disease and it should be investigated in patients with neurological alterations.摘要 房间隔瘤（Atrial septal aneurysm，ASA）是一种临床相关性各异的罕见先天性畸形，常与卵圆孔未闭（patent foramen ovale，PFO）合并报道。经胸多普勒超声心动图（Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography，TTE）是其首选诊断手段，但需辅以微泡造影等辅助技术。尽管该病具有重要临床意义，但兽医学领域相关研究资料匮乏，本研究为犬类该病症的第二例临床报道。本研究旨在报道1例经振荡生理盐水溶液（微泡）辅助经胸超声心动图联合检查确诊的LR IV型房间隔瘤合并卵圆孔未闭的沙皮母犬病例。临床诊疗过程中，饲主以癫痫发作为主要主诉。超声心动图检查可见LR IV型房间隔瘤及左心室收缩功能障碍。微泡造影检查显示存在右向左分流，证实卵圆孔未闭。推荐治疗方案为药物治疗。研究认为，犬类房间隔瘤的罕见性可能与诊断不充分有关，经胸超声心动图可实现该病的分析与分型。此外，无论是否存在心脏疾病证据，动物均可能发生房间隔瘤，对于存在神经系统异常的病例，应开展该项检查以排查该病。