title: Persistent truncus arteriosus in a cat.
abstract: A 5-month-old male domestic cat presented with a history of rapid, heavy breathing and cyanosis after exercise. Physical examination showed an abnormal respiratory pattern with an increased rate and stress-induced cyanosis. Auscultation revealed tachycardia and a grade 5/6 systolic murmur best heard over the left base. Radiographs showed evidence of right atrial and ventricular enlargement with distended pulmonary vessels and an enlarged ascending aorta. An echocardiographic examination revealed a dilated right atrium, eccentric right ventricular hypertrophy and an overriding aorta associated with a large ventricular septal defect (VSD). The pulmonary trunk could not be identified by echocardiography. Doppler and saline contrast studies showed large right-to-left shunting through the VSD. These findings were compatible with persistent truncus arteriosus, which was confirmed at necropsy.
authors: Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Chuzel
authors: Isabelle
authors: I
authors: Bublot
authors: Laurent
authors: L
authors: Couturier
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Nicolier
authors: Pablo
authors: P
authors: Rivier
authors: Wilfried
authors: W
authors: Mai
authors: Jean Luc
authors: JL
authors: Cadoré
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002415:Cats; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014339:Truncus Arteriosus, Persistent / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*