Echocardiographic and angiographic comparison of ductal dimensions in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a minimally invasive treatment option in dogs. Device selection based on appropriately acquired PDA dimensions and morphology can minimize procedural complications, including minimizing residual ductal flow and inappropriate embolization.

HYPOTHESIS

Transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) derived minimum ductal diameter measurements would most accurately reflect angiographic measurements. Color Doppler (CD) TEE and transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) ductal measurements would overestimate two-dimensional (2D) measurements.

ANIMALS

Fifteen client-owned dogs with PDA.

METHODS

PDA dimensions obtained with angiography, 2D and CD TTE, 2D and CD TEE from the right and left views were prospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

PDA dimensions were measured by using TEE most closely approximated angiographic measures. CD TTE and TEE frequently overestimated angiographic measures of minimum ductal diameter. TEE accurately identified a type III (tubular) PDA morphology in 1 dog. Fourteen of 15 dogs were determined to have hemodynamically significant reductions in left to right shunting documented by a first-pass nuclear angiocardiographic ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow < or = 1.2 and trivial (n = 3) to no (n = 11) CD TTE flow at approximately 1 month after PDA occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

TEE provided accurate anatomic information regarding PDA morphology and closely approximated angiographic ductal dimensions while aiding in both coil deployment and confirmation of intra-operative ductal closure.