SonoPath’s November case of the month

Congenital Overriding Aorta with Ventricular Septal Defect

A NEW WAVE OF THINKING®

An 8-month-old, intact, male Maltese presented to Village Veterinary Hospital for a routine exam, brought in from a local Rescue as part of a recent transport. On exam, a 6/6 heart murmur was confirmed and a cardiac ultrasound was immediately scheduled with SonoPath’s New Jersey Mobile team.

Sonographer: Rebecca Hamilton, SDEP® Certified Sonographer with SonoPath’s New Jersey Mobile

Specialist: Bradley Harris, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM

rDVM: Amanda Kiselak, VMD, Village Vets

Additional Information:

Blood Pressure:  Performed on the left front with a #2 cuff: 

114/82 (93)

133/95 (108)

172/138 (149)

Heartworm negative

Screening bloodwork within normal limits

Reference radiographs show the trachea displaced dorsally, consistent with left ventricular enlargement. Also, there is loss of the caudal cardiac waist, consistent with left atrial enlargement. The aorta is severely dilated. The pulmonary parenchyma is normal. The pulmonary vessels are normal. The pleural space is normal.

Stills and Videos

Long axis view of the ventricular septal defect with left to right flow, SDEP® position 1
Short axis view of the dilated aorta and aortic valve with central coaptation gap, SDEP® position 1
Long axis view of the ventricular septal defect and overriding aorta, SDEP® position 1
Severely enlarged left ventricle with decreased systolic function, long axis SDEP® position 1
Severe aortic insufficiency, SDEP® position 4
Short axis view of the ventricular septal defect with left to right flow, SDEP® position 1
Overriding aorta, long axis, SDEP® position 1

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE HEART

The left atrium is normal in dimension. The left ventricle is severely enlarged, with severely reduced systolic function. The right atrium and ventricle are normal in dimension, with normal systolic function.

The anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets are appropriately thin with adequate apposition, intact chordae, and there is no significant prolapse. There is no significant mitral regurgitation identified. The tricuspid valve leaflets are appropriately thin with adequate apposition, intact chordae, no significant tricuspid regurgitation, and no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The left ventricular outflow tract demonstrated severely turbulent flow with an overriding aorta and coaptation gap of the aortic valve leaflets. The left ventricular outflow tract velocity is marginally increased. There is a ventricular septal defect with high velocity left-to-right systolic flow documented. The right ventricular outflow tract assessment revealed laminar flow, with appropriate main pulmonary artery diameter and right pulmonary artery distensibility. The right ventricular outflow tract velocity is normal. There is mild pulmonic and severe aortic valve insufficiency identified. There is no visible pericardial, pleural, or free peritoneal fluid documented.

No evidence of hepatic venous congestion is noted. The cardiac chambers, pericardial and visible extra-cardiac regions were free of masses, spontaneous echo contrast, and thrombi.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS

  • Overriding aorta with a resulting ventricular septal defect (VSD)
  • Suspected (no ECG attached) high left-to-right systolic flow across the VSD, with severe aortic regurgitation as a result in the coaptation gap between aortic valve leaflets
  • Severely enlarged left ventricle with reduced systolic function

INTERPRETATION OF THE FINDINGS & FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Given the degree of left ventricular dilation, Vetmedin (pimobendan) (0.25–0.35 mg/kg BID) and enalapril (0.5mg/kg) BID) are recommended. Baseline chemistry panel and thoracic radiographs are recommended now, and again with a blood pressure in 1–2 weeks. Referral to a veterinary cardiologist is highly encouraged for reevaluation of the defect.

FOLLOW-UP/OUTCOME

This patient was scheduled with a veterinary cardiologist immediately. The cardiologist agreed with the findings of overriding aorta and severe VSD. Enalapril was to be continued at the same dose; pimobendan was increased to 1.25 mg q 12 hours. Furosemide was indicated for his recent cough, and spironolactone was started.

Plan:

  • Follow the provided list of signs to monitor
  • Continue medications
  • Recheck radiographs in 3–6 months
  • Hematocrit every 3 months to monitor for left-to-right shunting
  • Recheck in 4 months and discuss neutering at that point

This patient has been adopted!

Links and More Information

Also see:

Recommended Online Course

Approximate Study Time: 45 mins – 1 hour (self-paced)

Instructor: Eric Lindquist, DMV (Italy), DABVP (Canine & Feline), Cert. IVUSS, Founder & CEO of SonoPath

Expand your diagnostic awareness with this curated collection of echocardiographic pathology encountered in real-world clinical practice.

The Scope of SDEP® Echo Pathology library presents 247 images illustrating a wide range of cardiac abnormalities seen on a routine basis in veterinary sonography. While no single resource can encompass the full spectrum of cardiac disease, this library is designed to reinforce one of the most important principles in ultrasound: expect the unexpected.

By exposing you to diverse pathological presentations, this collection strengthens your ability to recognize variation, identify abnormalities, and approach each case with a more critical and informed eye. Ideal as both a learning tool and a quick-reference resource, this library supports ongoing development of pattern recognition and diagnostic confidence in echocardiography.

Interested in training a technician(s) at your clinic to perform ultrasounds in your practice?
Reach out to SonoPath and we can help you find the right fit for the position.
[email protected]

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