Doppler echocardiographic prediction of pulmonary hypertension in canine leishmaniasis

Abstract

Ten symptomatic dogs, naturally infected by Leishmania infantum, were examined by means of Doppler echocardiography to identify the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The presence of two-dimensional features of PAH and the presence of tricuspid and/or pulmonic valve regurgitation for pulmonary artery pressure quantification were investigated, and standard echo-Doppler variables (i.e., AT, AT/ET, and Tei) were calculated. None of the examined dogs showed two-dimensional features of PAH. In only one dog with mitral endocardiosis, PAH was diagnosed by tricuspid jet velocity. Echo-Doppler variables were not indicative of PAH in all dogs except one, which had a Tei index value predictive of PAH but normal AT and AT/ET. Our preliminary data do not support the presence of PAH in canine leishmaniasis; however, the study population must be increased to yield stronger conclusions.