Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Mitral Disease

A recent retrospective trial conducted at the Alfort cardiology unit showed that there was a high occurrence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAHT) in dogs undergoing Doppler-ultrasonography between 2001 and 2006. More particularly, the study of a sub-population of dogs that presented with PAHT and degenerative mitral valvular disease (or mitral endocardiosis) showed for the first time that this prevalence is progresses with the clinical development and ultrasonography of the valvular disease. In addition, it can be found in early stages of the disease, including asymptomatic animals. This study also showed the high occurrence of complications caused by PAHT, with the appearance of a right-sided cardiac insufficiency.