Double chambered right ventricle in 9 cats.
BACKGROUND
Double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a frequently recognized cardiac congenital abnormality in humans. It has been described in dogs and in 1 cat. However systemic description of clinical and echocardiographic features of the disease in cats is currently lacking from the veterinary literature.


METHODS
Nine cats with DCRV are described.


RESULTS
The cats ranged from 4 months to 10 years of age. Eight cats at presentation were asymptomatic and 1 cat had chylothorax. In all cases echocardiography revealed abnormal fibromuscular bundles obstructing the mid-right ventricle, dividing the chamber into 2 compartments. The proximal right ventricular compartment was markedly hypertrophied, and right atrial dilation was usually present. The mean pressure gradient measured across the stenotic area was 130 +/- 50 mm Hg. Concurrent abnormalities included a ventricular septal defect (n = 2); aortic malalignment, aortic insufficiency (n = 1); and congenital peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia (n = 1). Two cats had systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, one of which had concurrent left ventricular hypertrophy. Five cats have remained asymptomatic for a median period of 3.6 years (range, 3.3-5 years) and 3 cats have developed clinical signs associated with congestive heart failure (at 2, 3.3, and 9 years). One cat showed progressive lethargy and exercise intolerance and underwent partial ventriculectomy at the age of 2 years. This cat died during the operation with electromechanical dissociation.


CONCLUSIONS
DCRV is a congenital cardiac abnormality that may be more common than previously recognized.
Koffas
H
H
Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
Fuentes
V Luis
VL
Boswood
A
A
Connolly
D J
DJ
Brockman
D J
DJ
Bonagura
J D
JD
Meurs
K M
KM
Koplitz
S
S
Baumwart
R
R
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male