-
Journal of Veterinary Cardiology : the... Feb 2022An 11-year-old neutered male Border Terrier presented for pericardiectomy after a nine-month history of tricavitary effusion, dyspnoea and lethargy. Transthoracic...
An 11-year-old neutered male Border Terrier presented for pericardiectomy after a nine-month history of tricavitary effusion, dyspnoea and lethargy. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a fluid-filled structure at the heart base, starting at the mid-right ventricle and extending to the middle of the right atrium. Almost complete compression of the right atrium and the cranial vena cava was noted. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously enhancing and poorly marginated mass within the cranial aspect of the pericardium. A median sternotomy and subtotal pericardiectomy were performed. A non-distinct fluid-filled structure within the pericardium adhered to the epicardium was visualised. The structure was removed via marsupialisation along with extirpation of enlarged sternal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination of the sternal lymph nodes revealed expansile, well-demarcated, unencapsulated nodules of neoplastic cells consistent with a neuroendocrine tumour suspected to be thyroid in origin. After surgery, intractable pleural effusion resulted in euthanasia. Intrapericardial ectopic thyroid tumours are rarely reported in animals. The location of the mass and unusual presentation may have made it challenging for echocardiography to identify this neoplasia. Thoracic computed tomography at an earlier stage may have identified the neoplasia and potentially allowed for surgical intervention.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Echocardiography; Euthanasia, Animal; Male; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Pericardiectomy; Pericardium
PubMed: 34979483
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2021.12.007 -
Development (Cambridge, England) Mar 2018The epicardium plays a key role during cardiac development, homeostasis and repair, and has thus emerged as a potential target in the treatment of cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
The epicardium plays a key role during cardiac development, homeostasis and repair, and has thus emerged as a potential target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, therapeutically manipulating the epicardium and epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) requires insights into their developmental origin and the mechanisms driving their activation, recruitment and contribution to both the embryonic and adult injured heart. In recent years, studies of various model systems have provided us with a deeper understanding of the microenvironment in which EPDCs reside and emerge into, of the crosstalk between the multitude of cardiovascular cell types that influence the epicardium, and of the genetic programmes that orchestrate epicardial cell behaviour. Here, we review these discoveries and discuss how technological advances could further enhance our knowledge of epicardium-based repair mechanisms and ultimately influence potential therapeutic outcomes in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Heart; Humans; Organogenesis; Pericardium; Regeneration
PubMed: 29592950
DOI: 10.1242/dev.155994 -
Artificial Organs Mar 2022In order to obtain the smaller delivery diameter, porcine pericardium had been used as a substitute material of bovine pericardium for the leaflet materials of...
BACKGROUND
In order to obtain the smaller delivery diameter, porcine pericardium had been used as a substitute material of bovine pericardium for the leaflet materials of transcatheter heart valve (THV). However, the differences between them had not been fully studied. Therefore, this study compared the microstructure, biochemical and mechanical properties of two materials and hydrodynamics of THV made by the two materials in detail.
METHODS
In this study, firstly, the microstructure of pericardium was analyzed by staining and scanning electron microscope; secondly, the biochemical properties of pericardium after different processes were compared by heat shrinkage temperature test, free amino and carboxyl concentration test, enzyme degradation test, subcutaneous implantation calcification analysis in rats; finally, the mechanical properties were evaluated by uniaxial tensile test before and after the pericardium being crimped, and then, the hydrodynamics of THV was studied according to the ISO5840 standard.
RESULTS
Compared with bovine pericardium, after the same process, porcine pericardium showed a looser and tinier fiber bundle, a similar free carboxyl concentration, a lower resistance to enzyme degradation, a significantly lower calcification, bearing capacity and damage after being crimped, a better hydrodynamic and adaption with lower cardiac output and deformation of implantation position. Meanwhile the dehydration process of pericardium almost had preserved all the biochemical advantages of two materials.
CONCLUSION
In this study, porcine and bovine pericardium showed some significant differences in biochemical, mechanical properties and hydrodynamics. According to the results, it was presumed that the thinner porcine pericardium might be more suitable for THV of right heart system. Meanwhile, more attention should be taken for the calcification of THV made by the bovine pericardium.
Topics: Animals; Bioprosthesis; Calcinosis; Cattle; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Pericardium; Swine; X-Ray Microtomography
PubMed: 34545589
DOI: 10.1111/aor.14074 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Jun 2023
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Pericardial Effusion; Cardiac Tamponade; Pericardium
PubMed: 37204396
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2023.03.053 -
Experimental Physiology Aug 2020What is the central question of this study? Are the mechanisms that cause ventricular interdependence different when due to primary right to left ventricular pressure...
NEW FINDINGS
What is the central question of this study? Are the mechanisms that cause ventricular interdependence different when due to primary right to left ventricular pressure loading? What is the main finding and its importance? An instantaneous selective increase in aortic pressure causes an immediate increase in right ventricular end-systolic pressure independent of the pericardium, whereas a selective increase in pulmonary artery pressure decreases left ventricular diastolic compliance owing to a subsequent increasing right ventricular end-diastolic volume as a function of an intact pericardium limiting biventricular volume. Changes in contraction synchrony of either ventricle do not appear to be causing these effects.
ABSTRACT
I characterized the dynamic factors determining ventricular interdependence with and without the pericardium. I measured right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) pressures and volumes simultaneously using conductance catheters in seven pentobarbitone-anaesthetized open-chested 5- to 7-week-old piglets. I studied these effects during apnoea, inferior vena caval occlusion and rapid partial aortic and pulmonary arterial occlusions. Conductance catheter-defined long-axis regional volumes were assessed to define regional contractile synchrony. Closed-pericardium measures were made from an initial (baseline) volume, then after two 20 ml kg fluid loads followed by an open-pericardium step. Baseline RV and LV volumes were similar. Aortic occlusion increased LV pressures and volumes and RV end-systolic pressure such that RV end-systolic elastance increased without changes in RV contraction synchrony, not affected by the pericardium. Pulmonary artery occlusion increased RV end-systolic pressure but not end-systolic volume. On the subsequent beat, RV end-diastolic pressure increased, whereas LV end-diastolic volume and diastolic compliance decreased. These effects were attenuated by opening the pericardium. Contraction synchrony across longitudinal segments was unaltered by either aortic or pulmonary artery occlusion. I conclude that the determinants of systolic and diastolic ventricular interdependence are different. Increasing RV pressures causes diastolic RV-to-LV interdependence, decreasing LV diastolic compliance and dependent on an intact pericardium. An increase in LV end-systolic pressure increases RV end-systolic elastance independent of the pericardium and has a minimal effect on RV diastolic function or contraction synchrony.
Topics: Animals; Arterial Pressure; Diastole; Heart Ventricles; Pericardium; Swine; Systole; Ventricular Function
PubMed: 32436594
DOI: 10.1113/EP088550 -
Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics Sep 2020Important physiologic and anatomic differences exist between the epicardium and endocardium, particularly of the ventricles, and these differences affect ablation... (Review)
Review
Important physiologic and anatomic differences exist between the epicardium and endocardium, particularly of the ventricles, and these differences affect ablation biophysics. Absence of passive convective effects conferred by circulating blood as well as the presence of epicardial fat and vessels and absence of intracavitary ridges and structures affect ablation lesion size when performing epicardial catheter-based ablation, whether using radiofrequency or cryothermal energy. Understanding differential effects in each environment is important in informing strategies to increase ablation lesion depth. When using actively cooled radiofrequency ablation, local impedance can be altered to selectively augment energy delivery.
Topics: Biophysical Phenomena; Catheter Ablation; Endocardium; Epicardial Mapping; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Patient Safety; Pericardium; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 32771193
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2020.05.006 -
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR Feb 2022Congenital absence of the pericardium is a very uncommon condition that may be focal, unilateral or bilateral but most frequently involves the left sided pericardium....
Congenital absence of the pericardium is a very uncommon condition that may be focal, unilateral or bilateral but most frequently involves the left sided pericardium. Clinical signs and symptoms are often absent or nonspecific, overlapping with many other more common conditions. Imaging findings are distinctive if the features are sought and recognized.
Topics: Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Pericardium
PubMed: 35164909
DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2021.05.005 -
Cardiology 2017Congenital absence of the pericardium (CAP) is a rare condition. Failure to recognize the clinical features of this condition can lead to incorrect and delayed... (Review)
Review
Congenital absence of the pericardium (CAP) is a rare condition. Failure to recognize the clinical features of this condition can lead to incorrect and delayed diagnosis. Limited data are available regarding the optimal approach to diagnose and manage patients with suspected CAP. Due to the rare nature of CAP, this condition can present diagnostic and management dilemmas for clinicians. Using 3 cases of CAP as a framework, a clinically focused review on the diagnosis and management of CAP is presented. Clinicians will be provided with a systematic approach to evaluating patients with suspected CAP, incorporating key history, examination, and multimodality cardiovascular imaging investigations.
Topics: Electrocardiography; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Multimodal Imaging; Pericardium
PubMed: 27923231
DOI: 10.1159/000452441 -
Clinical Science (London, England :... Apr 2020Major shifts in human lifestyle and dietary habits toward sedentary behavior and refined food intake triggered steep increase in the incidence of metabolic disorders... (Review)
Review
Major shifts in human lifestyle and dietary habits toward sedentary behavior and refined food intake triggered steep increase in the incidence of metabolic disorders including obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Patients with metabolic disease are at a high risk of cardiovascular complications ranging from microvascular dysfunction to cardiometabolic syndromes including heart failure. Despite significant advances in the standards of care for obese and diabetic patients, current therapeutic approaches are not always successful in averting the accompanying cardiovascular deterioration. There is a strong relationship between adipose inflammation seen in metabolic disorders and detrimental changes in cardiovascular structure and function. The particular importance of epicardial and perivascular adipose pools emerged as main modulators of the physiology or pathology of heart and blood vessels. Here, we review the peculiarities of these two fat depots in terms of their origin, function, and pathological changes during metabolic deterioration. We highlight the rationale for pharmacological targeting of the perivascular and epicardial adipose tissue or associated signaling pathways as potential disease modifying approaches in cardiometabolic syndromes.
Topics: Adipogenesis; Adipokines; Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Blood Vessels; Cardiovascular Diseases; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Pericardium; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 32271386
DOI: 10.1042/CS20190227 -
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Pericardium; Heart Defects, Congenital
PubMed: 36931623
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.03.012