M Prütz1, S Hungerbühler, M Laß, M Fehr, P Günther, K Mathes. 1. Dr. Maike Prütz, Clinic for Pets, Reptiles, Pet and Feral Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hannover, Germany, E-Mail: mpruetz@gmx.de.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The cardiac anatomy in tortoises depicted on B-mode and color-Doppler should be better differentiated by additional contrast-echocardiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An intravenous contrast agent (INN-sulphur hexafluoride [SonoVue®]) was injected in four tortoises (three Testudo hermanni, one Agrionemys horsfieldii), via the coccygeal vein, with parallel B-mode echocardiographic examination. The results of the contrast-enhanced echocardiography were compared with the contrast-free B-mode recordings and color-Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: The use of SonoVue® enabled clearer distinction of the cardiac structures, differentiation of the arising major arteries, identification of wash-out-shunts, and visualization of blood flow patterns throughout the tortoise heart. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study enables the accurate depiction and differentiation of cardiac anatomy in tortoises through the use of a combination of B-mode, color-Doppler and contrast-echocardiography. Basic knowledge of blood flow in the reptile heart is essential to understand echocardiographic anatomy. Blood-flow-patterns and anatomy of the tortoise heart as found in this study will help to establish a basis for further echocardiographic examinations of these animals.
OBJECTIVE: The cardiac anatomy in tortoises depicted on B-mode and color-Doppler should be better differentiated by additional contrast-echocardiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An intravenous contrast agent (INN-sulphur hexafluoride [SonoVue®]) was injected in four tortoises (three Testudo hermanni, one Agrionemys horsfieldii), via the coccygeal vein, with parallel B-mode echocardiographic examination. The results of the contrast-enhanced echocardiography were compared with the contrast-free B-mode recordings and color-Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: The use of SonoVue® enabled clearer distinction of the cardiac structures, differentiation of the arising major arteries, identification of wash-out-shunts, and visualization of blood flow patterns throughout the tortoise heart. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study enables the accurate depiction and differentiation of cardiac anatomy in tortoises through the use of a combination of B-mode, color-Doppler and contrast-echocardiography. Basic knowledge of blood flow in the reptile heart is essential to understand echocardiographic anatomy. Blood-flow-patterns and anatomy of the tortoise heart as found in this study will help to establish a basis for further echocardiographic examinations of these animals.
Authors: Karina A Mathes; Katharina Radelof; Elisabeth Engelke; Karl Rohn; Christiane Pfarrer; Michael Fehr Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-08-22 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Marco Campolo; Stefano Oricco; Paolo Cavicchio; Sara Piga; Valentina Ulivi; Marco Poggi; Renato Zanatta; Maddalena Iannaccone Journal: Vet Rec Open Date: 2019-09-08