Left atrial mural thrombosis and hemopericardium in a dog with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Abstract

A 14-year-old mixed-breed dog with a 2-year history of myxomatous mitral valve disease was examined for collapse and lethargy. At the presentation, pale oral mucous membranes, rapid and weak femoral pulses, and muffled heart sounds with a moderate left apical systolic murmur were revealed. Echocardiographic examination showed pericardial effusion with organized echogenic material originating from the left atrial wall. Tamponade of the right atrium and severe left atrial enlargement were also observed. Multiple views of the left atrium and left auricle allowed to visualize a hyperechoic mass adherent to the endocardium of the left atrial wall. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography study allowed to rule out active intrapericardial hemorrhages, and echo-guided pericardiocentesis was performed. No recurrence of pericardial effusion was observed, but the dog suddenly died after 10 days. The postmortem examination confirmed multifocal left atrial thrombosis attached to the endomyocardial tears.