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Table of Contents
- What is Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction?
- Differences Between Supramitral Ring (SMR) and Cor Triatriatum Sinister (CTS)
- In Which Races Is It Seen?
- What are the symptoms?
- How Is Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction Diagnosed?
- How Is Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction Treated?
- What is the Importance of This Disease?
What is Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction?
Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction (SMI) is a condition where there is an obstruction to blood flow to the left ventricle of the heart. This obstruction restricts blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood.
These types of blockages are quite rare and mostly supramitral ring (SMR) or cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) It is associated with two abnormalities called. Although the effects and clinical symptoms of these two conditions on the body are similar, their causes and structures are different.
Differences Between Supramitral Ring (SMR) and Cor Triatriatum Sinister (CTS)
• Supramitral Ring (SMR): In this condition, a ring of tissue develops in the left atrium, just above the mitral valve. This ring restricts the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
• Cor Triatriatum Sinister (CTS): In this case, the left atrium is a horizontally positioned fibromuscular membrane It is divided into two separate chambers by the mitral valve. This membrane prevents blood flow from passing smoothly through the mitral valve.
In both cases, in the left atrium blood flow slows down and the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body has to work harder.
In Which Races Is It Seen?
These conditions are rare in both dogs and cats. However, in cats It has been reported more frequently. However, there is no definitive information as to which breeds of cats or dogs are more prone to this disease.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of supramitral valve obstruction depend on the degree of obstruction and how much blood flow is obstructed. If the obstruction is minor, the animal may not show any symptoms. However, if the obstruction is severe, the symptoms will be more pronounced.
Possible symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath: Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) may occur due to blood backing up into the lungs.
• Exercise intolerance: The animal may tire quickly and feel the need to rest.
• Rapid breathing: Faster breathing may occur due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• CoughCoughing can occur in dogs and cats, especially when there is fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Symptoms are caused by blood flowing back into the lungs. pulmonary congestion (increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels).
How Is Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction Diagnosed?
Diagnosing supramitral valve obstruction can be difficult because the symptoms of this abnormality can resemble those of other heart diseases.
1. Physical Examination
The veterinarian listens to the heart with a stethoscope murmur (abnormal heart sound) However, this murmur may not be as easily noticed as it is in humans.
2. X-Ray (Radiography)
X-ray images may show an enlarged heart (especially the left atrium) and fluid accumulation in the lungs. This area is especially noticeable on a chest X-ray as the left atrium becomes enlarged, creating a larger shadow.
3. Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)
Heart ultrasound is the most effective method for diagnosing this disease. With ultrasound, the structure of the heart and how blood flows in the heart can be seen clearly. The veterinarian, whether the left atrium is divided into two chambers or supramitral ring can be evaluated with these images whether it is or not.
• Color Doppler ultrasound: Used to show in which direction and how fast the blood is flowing.
• Continuous wave Doppler: Determines the degree of obstruction by measuring the pressure difference and velocity on the blood flow.
How Is Supravalvular Mitral Valve Obstruction Treated?
Treatment for this disease depends on the severity of the obstruction and the general health of the animal.
1. Drug Treatment
Drug therapy does not eliminate the root cause of this disease, but it allows the animal to breathe more easily and acute crises manages.
• Diuretics: It helps to remove excess fluid accumulated in the lungs.
• Oxygen therapy: Applied to reduce shortness of breath during acute attacks.
2. Surgical Treatment
In cases of severe obstruction, surgical intervention may be required. Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB) or hybrid surgery This blockage can be relieved with a special surgical technique called.
• Cor Triatriatum Sinister (CTS) surgeryIn this case, the membrane that divides the left atrium into two can be expanded or cut with the help of a special balloon.
• Supramitral Ring (SMR) surgery: In this case, since the obstruction is close to the mitral valve, surgical intervention is required. risk of damage to the mitral valve Therefore, veterinary surgeons must plan the surgery very carefully.
What is the Importance of This Disease?
Although supramitral valve obstruction is a rare disease, it can seriously affect the animal's quality of life. Early diagnosis The effects of this disease can be greatly alleviated with. The veterinarian uses various tests to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan. Especially echocardiography, is of vital importance in diagnosing such rare heart diseases.
An animal with this disease should be closely monitored with regular veterinary check-ups. If symptoms worsen, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
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