Doppler Echocardiographic Prediction of Pulmonary Hypertension in Canine Leishmaniasis

Ten symptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum were examined by means of doppler echocardiography in order to identify the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The presence of 2-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 (AT, AT/ET, Tei) were calculated. None of the examined dogs showed 2-dimensional features of PAH. In only one dog, having also mitral endocardiosis, PAH was diagnosed by tricuspid jet velocity. Echo-doppler variables resulted not indicative of PAH in all dogs except one having 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, anyway study population need to be enlarged to give conclusions.