Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Two-dimensional echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis in a horse with traumatic pericarditis.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Vörös, K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A horse was examined because it showed signs of fluid buildup around its heart, which can happen due to inflammation. The vet used an ultrasound to see that the heart's outer layer was thickened and there was a lot of fluid present, which was putting pressure on the heart. They suspected the horse had a type of inflammation called fibrinous pericarditis, likely caused by a stab wound. The vet removed 4 liters of fluid from around the heart and found a bacteria called Streptococcus zooepidemicus in the fluid. Although the horse showed some temporary improvement after treatment, its condition got worse over the next few days, and unfortunately, it was euthanized on the ninth day of care.
Abstract
Two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) examination was performed on a horse with clinical signs of pericardial effusion. Thickening of the pericardium, excess amount of pericardial fluid, elevation of the cardiac apex, and right ventricular compression, characteristic of cardiac tamponade, could be seen on 2DE recordings. Fibrinous pericarditis was suspected by observation of fibrinous strands in the pericardial fluid and epicardial fibrin deposits. Echocardiographically guided pericardiocentesis was performed, and 4 L of fluid was removed from the pericardial sac. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was isolated from the fluid. Pericardiocentesis was repeated for 3 days, and medication was administered. Despite temporary improvement in cardiac function, the horse's condition deteriorated gradually, and euthanasia was performed on the ninth day of hospitalization. Necropsy revealed chronic serofibrinous pericarditis of traumatic origin, attributable to an intercostal stab wound entering the pericardium and the apical portion of the myocardium.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1874674/