Doocy: Comparative Imaging of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs: Updating Ductal Morphology Classification
Summary and Study Objectives
Patent ductus arterious (PDA) is the most common heart defect in dogs that results in heart enlargement and heart failure and can be closed via multiple surgical and minimally invasive techniques. The variations in PDA size and patient size (ie. small and large breeds, puppies and adults) influences recommendations for PDA closure method. For minimally invasive closure of PDAs, accurate measurements are important for a successful procedure. Classic reccommendations are based on two-dimensional (2D) imaging and a PDA is a three dimensional (3D) tubular structure. The primary objective of this study is to characterize PDA morphology across standard and more advanced multiplane and 3D imaging with ultrasound of the heart (transesophageal echocardiography) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). We hypothesize that the addition of multiplane and 3D imaging will provide additional information regarding PDA anatomy and allow us to update the current PDA classification system.