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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Intern Med / Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Atrial Size and Functio...
Journal of veterinary internal medicine2016; 30(4); 1241-1252; doi: 10.1111/jvim.14368

Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Atrial Size and Function in Warmblood Horses: Reference Intervals, Allometric Scaling, and Agreement of Different Echocardiographic Variables.

Abstract: Echocardiographic assessment of left atrial (LA) size and function in horses is not standardized. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for echocardiographic indices of LA size and function in Warmblood horses and to provide proof of concept for allometric scaling of variables and for the clinical use of area-based indices. Methods: Thirty-one healthy Warmblood horses and 91 Warmblood horses with a primary diagnosis of mitral regurgitation (MR) or aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods: Retrospective study. Echocardiographic indices of LA size and function were measured and scaled to body weight (BWT). Reference intervals were calculated, the influence of BWT, age, and valvular regurgitation on LA size and function was investigated and agreement between different measurements of LA size was assessed. Results: Allometric scaling of variables of LA size allowed for correction of differences in BWT. Indices of LA size documented LA enlargement with moderate and severe MR and AR, whereas most indices of LA mechanical function were not significantly altered by valvular regurgitation. Different indices of LA size were in fair to good agreement but still lead to discordant conclusions with regard to assessment of LA enlargement in individual horses. Conclusions: Allometric scaling of echocardiographic variables of LA size is advised to correct for differences in BWT among Warmblood horses. Assessment of LA dimensions should be based on an integrative approach combining subjective evaluation and assessment of multiple measurements, including area-based variables. The clinical relevance of indices of LA mechanical function remains unclear when used in horses with mitral or aortic regurgitation.
Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2016-06-30 PubMed ID: 27362277PubMed Central: PMC5108425DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14368Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study aimed to establish reference intervals using echocardiographic indices in order to evaluate left atrial size and function in Warmblood horses. It highlights the application of allometric scaling and suggests an integrative approach for a more accurate assessment.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary goal was to establish clear reference intervals for echocardiographic indices pertaining to the measurement of left atrial size and function in Warmblood horses.
  • Additionally, the researchers aimed to demonstrate the application of allometric scaling to correct for individual differences in body weight amongst horses.
  • Another objective was to understand how variables such as body weight, age, and valvular regurgitation influence left atrial size and function.

Methodology

  • The study was retrospective and assessed a total of 122 Warmblood horses, with 31 being healthy and 91 diagnosed with mitral regurgitation or aortic regurgitation.
  • Using echocardiography, indices relating to left atrial size and function were measured and proportionately adjusted for the horses’ body weights.
  • The researchers then calculated reference intervals, analyzed the effect of body weight, age and valvular regurgitation on left atrial size, and examined how related measurements agreed with each other.

Research Findings

  • The researchers found that adjusting the echocardiographic variables of left atrial size for body weight differences amongst horses, also known as allometric scaling, was a useful approach.
  • The indices pinpointed left atrial enlargement in cases of moderate and severe mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation. However, most of the related mechanical function indexes didn’t significantly change with valvular regurgitation.
  • Various indices of left atrial size showed fair to good agreement but led to conflicting conclusions about left atrial enlargement in individual horses.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

  • The study recommends employing allometric scaling of echocardiographic variables for left atrial size to adjust for differences in body weight among Warmblood horses.
  • For the accurate assessment of left atrial dimensions, an integrative approach combining subjective evaluation and multiple measurements, including area-based variables, should be adopted.
  • The study mentions that the clinical importance of indices representing left atrial mechanical function is still unclear when applied to horses with mitral or aortic regurgitation.

Cite This Article

APA
Huesler IM, Mitchell KJ, Schwarzwald CC. (2016). Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Atrial Size and Function in Warmblood Horses: Reference Intervals, Allometric Scaling, and Agreement of Different Echocardiographic Variables. J Vet Intern Med, 30(4), 1241-1252. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14368

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Pages: 1241-1252

Researcher Affiliations

Huesler, I M
  • Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Mitchell, K J
  • Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Schwarzwald, C C
  • Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Atrial Function, Left / physiology
  • Body Size
  • Echocardiography / veterinary
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / anatomy & histology
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Male
  • Reference Values
  • Retrospective Studies

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