Evaluation of echocardiographic variables of morphometry and function in horses submitted to minimally invasive partial pericardiotomy

J.R Silva,G.P Meirelles,M.G Sousa,E.M Busato,R.G.D’O.C Vilani,P.T Dornbusch,B.C Brüler,R.L Guedes

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-11806

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive partial pericardiotomy on echocardiographic variables of morphometry and function in healthy horses. Minimally invasive pericardiotomy was performed in six healthy horses. Echocardiographic evaluation was executed in different moments: prior to the surgical procedure (M0); 24 hours post procedure (M1); 72 hours post procedure (M2) and 28 days post procedure (M3). The following variables were measured: Right ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole (RVd and RVs), interventricular septum thickness in diastole and systole (IVSd and IVSs), left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole (LVd and LVs), left ventricular free wall thickness in diastole and systole (LVFWd and LVFWs), aortic root diameter (Ao) and left atrial diameter (LA). From this data, the following variables were calculated: fractional shortening (FS%), fractional thickening of the interventricular septum (IVS%), fractional thickening of the left ventricular free wall (LVFW%) and the relationship between left atrial and aortic diameters (LA/Ao). After 28 days, a new thoracoscopy was performed for inspection of the thoracic cavity. In M1 and M2 ECO evaluations, a statistically significant change in LVFW and a decrease in RVd, LVd, LVFWs, LA, LVs, FS% and IVS was documented. Pericardiotomy is a promising technique in horses, with minor postoperative complication. The variations in the echocardiographic parameters were transient and did not cause hemodynamic damage to the animals.

Highlights

Pericardiotomy consists in a surgical opening of the pericardium, and the indication occurs in cases of recurrent pericardial effusions, in order to eliminate the risk of cardiac tamponade
After physical examination, where heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body weight, capillary filling time, rectal temperature, frequency of fecal movements and hydration status were evaluated, six horses were selected for a prospective longitudinal study. Laboratory tests such as blood count, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea and creatinine were performed
The pericardiotomy technique can be accomplished with the horse standing or in recumbency

Summary

Introduction

Pericardiotomy consists in a surgical opening of the pericardium, and the indication occurs in cases of recurrent pericardial effusions, in order to eliminate the risk of cardiac tamponade. The pericarditis abides one of the cases (Ventura et al, 2009; Shaw and Rush, 2007) This procedure can be performed by conventional assessment such as right lateral thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery or minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery (thoracoscopy) (Shaw and Rush, 2007). Pericardiotomy is frequently effective in the treatment of recurrent pericardial effusion, being a quick and easy technique to perform, rarely leading to significant complications (Ventura et al, 2009)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion