M-mode echocardiographic ratio indices in normal dogs, cats, and horses: a novel quantitative method.
Abstract: A novel method for quantitative echocardiographic interpretations is introduced based on the calculation of ratio indices in which each raw M-mode measurement is divided by the aortic root dimension (Ao). "Aorta-based" indices were calculated with the animal's measured aortic root dimension (Ao(m)) as the length standard. Conversely, "weight-based" indices employed an idealized estimate of aortic dimension (Ao(w)) with a weighted least squares linear regression against the cube root of body weight (Ao(w) = kW(1/3)). Use of these indices circumvented undesirable statistical characteristics inherent in linear regression of echocardiographic dimensions against body weight and, to a lesser extent, body surface area. Compared with the regressions, ratio indices resulted in substantial refinement of the predictive range for each M-mode measurement in dogs, particularly with decreasing body size. Weight-based indices outperformed aorta-based indices in this regard. To refine the predictive range, neither type of index was clearly advantageous in cats compared with the simple average method typically employed for that species. Several of the raw M-mode measurements, however, were correlated with body weight in cats and horses, indicating the need for an appropriate correction for body size in these species. The ratio index method was suitable for this purpose. Summary statistics derived from normal dogs (n = 53), cats (n = 32), and horses (n = 17) are presented for each index, including novel clinical indices calculated from area ratios. The latter were designed to represent body size-adjusted lett ventricular stroke area (ie, volume overload) and myocardial wall area (ie, hypertrophy).
Publication Date: 2003-10-08 PubMed ID: 14529131DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02496.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research presents a new way for calculating ratio indices in echocardiography using the aorta’s diameter. The method performed better in adjusting raw measurements for animal size, especially for dogs with smaller body size. For cats, however, no clear benefit was identified. It also identified that measurements from cats and horses are related to body weight, suggesting the need for body size adjustments. The study included data from 53 dogs, 32 cats, and 17 horses and featured new ratios that account for ventricular stroke area and myocardial wall areas.
Methodology
- The methodology is centered on using ratio indices derived from the diameter of the aorta (Ao) in echocardiographic measurements.
- Two types of indices are used: Aorta-based, using the animal’s actual aortic dimension (Ao(m)), and weight-based, which uses a calculated Ao value (Ao(w)) based on a linear regression formula involving the cube root of the body weight.
- The purpose of these indices is to avoid some pitfalls of using linear regression of echocardiographic dimensions against body weight or body surface area.
Results
- The new method appears to work best for dogs, particularly smaller ones. It refines the predictive range of measurements better than the simple linear regression method.
- For cats, the improved accuracy was not as substantial when compared with averages generally used for this species.
- Preliminary findings suggest that it’s necessary to adjust echocardiograph measurements for body size in cats and horses, as several measurements were found to correlate with body weight.
Novel Clinical Indices
- The paper introduces new clinical indices based on area ratios, intended to provide body size-adjusted measurements of left ventricular stroke area (corresponding to volume overload) and myocardial wall area (corresponding to hypertrophy).
- The results are recorded from a study population including normal dogs, cats, and horses, with the findings to be further validated.
Cite This Article
APA
Brown DJ, Rush JE, MacGregor J, Ross JN, Brewer B, Rand WM.
(2003).
M-mode echocardiographic ratio indices in normal dogs, cats, and horses: a novel quantitative method.
J Vet Intern Med, 17(5), 653-662.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02496.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA. donald.brown@tufts.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cats / anatomy & histology
- Data Interpretation, Statistical
- Dogs / anatomy & histology
- Echocardiography / veterinary
- Heart / anatomy & histology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Records / veterinary
- Reference Values
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
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