Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound signs of aortic blood clots in cats
By Eberlé, Olivia et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2022·Department of Clinical Science, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic findings of feline aortic thromboembolism.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats diagnosed with aortic thromboembolism (ATE), a serious condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow in the aorta, showed varying outcomes based on the severity of the blockage. In this study, 29 cats were examined, and it was found that complete blockage was present in 66% of the cases, leading to a significantly lower survival rate of just 11%. In contrast, cats with incomplete blockage had a much better survival rate of 70%. The findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of ATE to improve chances of recovery.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of feline aortic thromboembolism (ATE) and determine potential associations between ultrasonographic findings and prognosis. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records (2013-2021) of cats that were diagnosed ultrasonographically with ATE based on the presence of a thromboembolus (TE) in the distal aorta beginning after the departure of the renal arteries. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cats were included in this study. The most frequent location for an ATE was at the aortic trifurcation. The median length of TEs was 9 mm (range 3.5-42.9). TEs appeared homogeneous and isoechoic to surrounding tissues in all cases. No correlation was found between the appearance of the TE and the duration of clinical signs. The obstruction of blood flow in the distal aorta at the aortic trifurcation was complete in 66% of cases and incomplete in 34% of cases. The survival rate was significantly lower when the obstruction was complete (11%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2-34) compared with incomplete (70%, 95% CI 35-92). The arterial wall characteristics were as follows: smooth and thin (62%), and hyperechoic (38%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Increased vascular obstruction of TEs was associated with a lower survival rate.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36350304/