13 year old male neutered domestic short haired cat with recent anorexia. Grade 3/6 heart murmur detected on cardiac auscultation, with harsh lung sounds and tachypnea.
Copyright Veterinaryradiology.net
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
History
13 year old male neutered domestic short haired cat with recent anorexia. Grade 3/6 heart murmur detected on cardiac auscultation, with harsh lung sounds and tachypnea.
3 images
Findings
The cardiac silhouette is moderately enlarged on all projections. There is a diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern, with mild distension of the pulmonary vasculature. The remainder of the thorax appears normal.
DDX
- Cardiomegaly likely due to cardiomyopathy
- Differentials for the pulmonary pattern include mild cardiogenic pulmonary edema and lower airway disease
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A diuretic trial was initiated to differentiate dyspnea due to pulmonary edema vs. lower airway disease. The radiograph taken the next day showed resolution of the majority of the pulmonary pattern, confirming pulmonary edema.
Discussion
Cats with heart failure can present with a variety of pulmonary patterns, including diffuse or patchy interstitial pattern with a bronchial component. This case was a subtle example of pulmonary edema.