Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of sinus venosus atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in 10 dogs.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs) are frequently associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs) in humans, and computed tomography (CT) angiography provides high diagnostic accuracy. However, SVASD with PAPVC has been reported in only a few veterinary cases. This study evaluated CT for a definitive diagnosis and described the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of dogs with SVASD and PAPVC. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten dogs diagnosed with SVASD using CT angiography were retrospectively reviewed. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for the initial assessment, and CT angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings were described. RESULTS: Transthoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial and ventricular dilation in each dog, with suspected SVASD in seven cases. In the remaining three dogs, echocardiography did not detect the SVASD. Computed tomography angiography identified a defect in the interatrial septum near the cranial vena cava in each case. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection was confirmed in all dogs, with drainage sites involving the right atrium, the junction with cranial vena cava, or the cranial vena cava. Nine dogs underwent surgical repair, and surgery was not recommended for one dog because of suspected severe pulmonary hypertension. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The small number of cases limited statistical evaluation, and the retrospective design may have introduced bias in echocardiographic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus venosus atrial septal defect in dogs is often accompanied by PAPVC, which was present in 100% of the cases in this group of dogs. Computed tomography proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool, enhancing the sensitivity of identifying SVASD and PAPVC in dogs.