Pericardiocentesis and principles of echocardiographic imaging in the patient with cardiac neoplasia.
Ultrasonography is a safe, noninvasive, sensitive, and specific tool for evaluation of the heart and pericardium in patients with cardiac neoplasia. In small animals, the incidence of cardiac neoplasia is low. In dogs, hemangiosarcoma and chemocdectoma are the two most common types of cardiac neoplasia. In cats, lymphosarcoma is the most common form of cardiac neoplasia. Pericardial effusion is a common and potentially life-threatening consequence of cardiac neoplasia. Pericardial effusion leads to a rise in the intrapericardial pressure, resulting in varying degrees of hemodynamic compromise. Cardiac tamponade occurs when the intrapericardial pressure equals or exceeds right ventricular diastolic filling pressures, leading to a decreased cardiac output. Pericardiocentesis is used to stabilize animals with life-threatening cardiac tamponade, and to obtain fluid samples for diagnostic evaluation. The fluid should be quantified and characterized. If the etiology of the effusion is not known, then a sample of the fluid should be submitted for fluid analysis and cytology. Serious complications associated with pericardiocentesis are rare. Complications include cardiac puncture, arrhythmias, and laceration of the tumor or coronary artery, resulting in intrapericardial hemorrhage.
Gidlewski
Josh
J
Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Petrie
Jean-Paul
JP
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary*; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D020519:Pericardiocentesis / Q000662:veterinary*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine