Echocardiographic parameters for the assessment of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation

Vet J. 2020 Sep:263:105518. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105518. Epub 2020 Jul 18.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of congestive heart failure (CHF) on echocardiographic variables in dogs with moderate or severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The secondary objective was to investigate the preliminary use of left ventricular early inflow-outflow index (LVEIO) and L-waves as indicators of CHF. Forty-five dogs with moderate or severe MR without (n = 23) or with (n = 22) CHF were retrospectively included. Echocardiographic variables of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures and cardiac function, LVEIO and the presence of L-waves were obtained and statistically compared between the two groups. On general linear model analysis, mitral inflow peak E-wave velocity, E:A ratio, ratio of E to isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and LVEIO were increased, while left atrium (LA) fractional shortening was reduced, in dogs with CHF. Peak E-wave velocity, peak A-wave velocity, E:A ratio, LA minimum diameter, LA diameter before the P-wave, LA fractional shortening and LVEIO were found to be predictive of CHF. The absence of L-waves indicated a reduced risk of CHF. Several echocardiographic variables may be useful in identifying elevated LV filling pressures, consistent with CHF, in dogs with moderate and severe MR. Left ventricular early inflow-outflow index and L-waves might be of interest as clinical and prognostic markers in dogs with MMVD and require further investigation.

Keywords: Atrial function; Canine; L-waves; LVEIO; Mitral inflow.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dogs
  • Echocardiography / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / veterinary*
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Valve Diseases / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / veterinary*
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse / diagnostic imaging
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies