Evaluation of right ventricular diastolic function, systolic function, and circulating galectin-3 concentrations in dogs with pulmonary stenosis

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases with increased right ventricular (RV) afterload induce RV diastolic and systolic dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis in humans. Studies in dogs with pulmonary stenosis (PS) evaluating RV diastolic function and markers of myocardial fibrosis are lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives: Dogs with PS have echocardiographic evidence of RV diastolic and systolic dysfunction and increased serum concentrations of galectin-3 (Gal-3), a surrogate biomarker for myocardial fibrosis. Animals: Forty client-owned dogs (10 controls, 30 with PS). Methods: Prospective study. All dogs had systemic blood pressure measurement, serum biochemical analysis, echocardiography, and measurement of serum Gal-3 concentration performed. Results: Variables of RV diastolic function were obtained in 39/40 dogs. Trans-tricuspid flow velocity in early diastole to trans-tricuspid flow velocity in late diastole ratios (RV E/A) were lower (P