Pavlioudaki D. DVM, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Athens, Greece | Mylonidi T. DVM, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Athens, Greece | Mavropoulou A. DVM, Ms, PhD, MRCVS, Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Cardiology), RCVS recognised specialist in cardiology, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Athens, Greece
Introduction
Transient myocardial thickening (TMT) in cats is a clinical entity partially described. It is triggered by stressful events and, mimicking the phenotype of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can lead to acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Eight clinical cases are described.
Clinical cases
Eight cats were presented to our clinic with symptoms of acute CHF. The average age was 3.4 years (5 months - 7 years old), two cats were of British shorthair breed and the rest were Domestic shorthair. In all cases, there was an antecedent event within 2 weeks, prior to presentation. After initial stabilization, with administration of oxygen and furosemide, necessary diagnostic tests were performed, including hematology, biochemistry, thoracic x-rays, echocardiographic examination (with increased measurements: LVWTd>6mm, LAD>15mm). Furthermore, cardiac troponin, a marker of myocardial injury, was measured with a mean value of 7.67ng/ml (0.46 -30.73ng/ml).
Results
These cases showed complete resolution of clinical signs with a median time of 110 days until reversal of ultrasonographic lesions and drug discontinuation.
Conclusions
TMT can be presented as a CHF case, mainly in young cats, without pre-existing heart disease. The measurement of cardiac biomarkers can assist in diagnosis. Surviving the acute phase of the disease can lead to reversal of the ultrasonographic lesions and pharmacological treatment can be stopped.
