Cardiac biomarkers and ultrasonography as tools in prediction and diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis in Egyptian buffaloes.

Noura E Attia

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2016.976-982

Abstract

Aim:This study was designed to evaluate the cardiac biomarkers and ultrasonography in prediction and early diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis (TP) in Egyptian buffaloes.Materials and Methods:A total number of 47 buffaloes were included in the study and divided into two groups: Healthy (n=10) and diseased groups (n=37). Diseased buffaloes were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Zagazig University, Egypt, with a history of anorexia, sudden, and severe reduction of milk production with no response to a previous medical treatment some animals had edema at the dewlap and congestion of the jugulars. These animals were subjected to clinical examination, evaluation by hemato-biochemical analysis including cardiac biomarkers and sonography.Results:The hemato-biochemical analysis revealed leukocytosis with a shift to left and hyperfibrinogenemia (indicating inflammation). Serum cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cTnT, nitric oxide, creatine kinase myocardial band, and lactic dehydrogenase enzyme were significantly increased in buffaloes with TP compared with control ones. Ultrasonographically, there were hypoechoic materials with echogenic fibrin interspersed in between the pericardial sac.Conclusions:The cardiac biomarkers may be considered a useful index in the early diagnosis of TP. Moreover, ultrasonography is an excellent tool for early prediction and diagnosis of such condition.

Highlights

In the veterinary field, traumatic pericarditis (TP) is one of the most important cardiac diseases among bovines
Serum cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I, cTnT, nitric oxide, creatine kinase myocardial band, and lactic dehydrogenase enzyme were significantly increased in buffaloes with TP compared with control ones
The cardiac biomarkers may be considered a useful index in the early diagnosis of TP

Summary

Introduction

Traumatic pericarditis (TP) is one of the most important cardiac diseases among bovines. Pericarditis is defined as inflammation of the pericardium with the accumulation of large amounts of serous or fibrinous inflammatory products in the pericardial sac [2]. It is commonly occurring as a consequence of traumatic reticuloperitonitis. The early diagnosis of such condition is difficult as the most cases present in advanced stages when the cardiac dysfunction produce clinical signs of heart failure which had a poor prognosis [3]. Diagnosis of advanced cases based on clinical examination as pathognomonic clinical signs “including bilateral jugular venous distention and/or pulsation and edema

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