EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF DIAGNOSTIC CARDIOGENIC PULMONARY EDEMA IN CATS

Abstract

Chest radiography is considered a reasonably effective test for cardiogenic pulmonary edema, but the results are sometimes ambiguous, and the process of obtaining the radiographs can increase respiratory distress. The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of diagnostic tests during the monitoring of the treatment of cats for cardiogenic pulmonary edema For the study, the indicators of cats that came to the "Vet House" center for stabilization of a severe condition due to pulmonary edema were used. Clinically important diagnostic points (DTs) were defined as the initial presentation for the diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary edema (testing completed within 6 hours of admission; DT1); hospital discharge (testing completed within 2 hours of discharge from the veterinary center (DT2); first outpatient retest after discharge from the veterinary center (DT3). At each of the diagnostic points, diagnostic tests were recorded: clinical examination data (respiratory rate, heart rate, thermometry); ultrasound diagnostics of the heart and lungs; x-ray of the lungs; tonometry, pulse oximetry and laboratory examination of venous blood samples. Quantitative percentage changes between DT1 and DT2 in the number of total B-lines on lung echograms and signs of pulmonary edema on radiographs were compared for each site. During DT2, the right cranial part of the lung was distinguished by a decrease in B-lines on echograms by 82% and by 27% - a decrease in pulmonary edema according to radiographic assessment. In the left cranial region, an 81% decrease in B-lines on echograms and a 31% decrease in signs of pulmonary edema on radiographs were recorded. The caudal left and right areas of the lungs during DT2 were distinguished by a decrease in B-lines on echograms by 88% and radiographic signs of pulmonary edema by 75%, respectively. It was established that with the help of ultrasound diagnostics, artifacts in the form of B-lines change quickly during the reduction of signs of pulmonary edema, and are easily tracked. The method is more sensitive compared to radiography when monitoring the course of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in cats.