Abstract
The use of experimental animal models has become crucial in cardiovascular science. Most studies using rodent models are focused on two-dimensional imaging to study the cardiac anatomy of the left ventricle and M-mode echo to assess its dimensions. However, this could limit a comprehensive study. Herein, we describe a protocol that allows an assessment of the heart chamber size, left ventricular function (systolic and diastolic) and valvular function. A conventional medical ultrasound machine was used in this protocol and different echo views were obtained through left parasternal, apical and suprasternal windows. In the left parasternal window, the long and short axis were acquired to analyze left chamber dimensions, right ventricle and pulmonary artery dimensions, and mitral, pulmonary and aortic valve function. The apical window allows the measurement of heart chamber dimensions and evaluation of systolic and diastolic parameters. It also allows Doppler assessment with detection and quantification of heart valve disturbances (regurgitation or stenosis). Different segments and walls of the left ventricle are visualized throughout all views. Finally, the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta can be imaged through the suprasternal window. A combination of ultrasound imaging, Doppler flow and tissue Doppler assessment have been obtained to study cardiac morphology and function. This represents an important contribution to improve the assessment of cardiac function in adult rats with impact for research using these animal models.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for over 4 million yearly deaths, despite advances in therapy, diagnosis, and monitoring that have improved patient outcomes in recent years
We describe an echocardiography protocol using conventional medical ultrasound equipment to evaluate cardiac chambers and heart valves using Wistar rats
As longitudinal imaging studies require repeated anesthesia, a combination of medetomidine-midazolam-fentanyl was proposed in this protocol since it is more suitable for serial use when compared to isoflurane or a mixture of ketamine-xylazine, in Wistar rats
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for over 4 million yearly deaths, despite advances in therapy, diagnosis, and monitoring that have improved patient outcomes in recent years. A rapid technological evolution has contributed to progress in cardiovascular patient care Within these diagnostic tools, particular attention has been paid to biomedical imaging, which allows an anatomic and functional evaluation in a non-invasive way[1,2,3]. We describe an echocardiography protocol using conventional medical ultrasound equipment to evaluate cardiac chambers and heart valves (anatomy and function) using Wistar rats. This is a concise and complete protocol for short time acquisition images and loops that allow offline measurements, which can be later revised to integrate new variables or measurements over time. This protocol is specific for rats independently of their strain, age or gender
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