Abstract
BackgroundAortic rupture is more common in Friesians compared to Warmbloods, which might be related to differences in arterial wall composition and, as such, arterial wall stiffness (AWS). Currently, nothing is known about differences in AWS between these breeds.ObjectivesComparison of AWS parameters and noninvasive blood pressure between Friesians and Warmbloods.AnimalsOne hundred one healthy Friesians and 101 age‐matched healthy Warmbloods.MethodsTwo‐dimensional and pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasound examination was performed of the aorta, common carotid artery, and external iliac artery to define local and regional AWS parameters. Regional aortic AWS was estimated using aortic‐to‐external iliac artery pulse wave velocity (PWVa‐e) and carotid‐to‐external iliac artery pulse wave velocity (PWVc‐e). Noninvasive blood pressure and heart rate were recorded simultaneously.ResultsSystolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure and pulse pressure were significantly higher in Friesians compared to Warmbloods. No significant difference in heart rate was found. Most local AWS parameters (diameter change, compliance coefficient, distensibility coefficient) were significantly lower in Friesians compared to Warmbloods, indicating a stiffer aorta in Friesians. This difference could be confirmed by the regional stiffness parameters. A higher PWVa‐e and PWVc‐e was found in Friesians. For the cranial and caudal common carotid artery and external iliac artery, most local AWS parameters were not significantly different.Conclusions and clinical importanceResults indicate that aortic AWS differs between Friesian and Warmblood horses. Friesians seem to have a stiffer aorta, which might be related to the higher incidence of aortic rupture in Friesians.
Highlights
In Friesian horses, aortic rupture is more common compared to Warmblood horses.[1]
Conclusions and clinical importance: Results indicate that aortic arterial wall stiffness (AWS) differs between Friesian and Warmblood horses
Friesians seem to have a stiffer aorta, which might be related to the higher incidence of aortic rupture in Friesians
Summary
In Friesian horses, aortic rupture is more common compared to Warmblood horses.[1]. In contrast to Warmblood horses,[2,3,4] aortic rupture in Friesian horses typically occurs close to the ligamentum arteriosum with formation of a pseudoaneurysm and aortopulmonary fistulation.[5,6] The reason why Friesians are predisposed to aortic rupture at this specific location remains unknown. Valvular abnormalities, which would be expected with an embryological disorder, are not described in affected Friesians.[1] In human medicine, aortic rupture usually is preceded by aortic aneurysm formation, which is not the case in Friesians.[7] In human patients, elastin and especially collagen have been shown to be important factors contributing to aortic aneurysm formation.[8,9] Collagen fibrils, together with smooth muscle cells and elastin, form the primary load-bearing components of the aortic wall. Most local AWS parameters (diameter change, compliance coefficient, distensibility coefficient) were significantly lower in Friesians compared to Warmbloods, indicating a stiffer aorta in Friesians. This difference could be confirmed by the regional stiffness parameters. For the cranial and caudal common carotid artery and external iliac artery, most local AWS parameters were not significantly different
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