Question:

On echocardiography, dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs is characterized best by which of the following findings?
(A). Decreased ejection fraction
(B). Decreased fraction shortening
(C). Increased mitral valve E-point to septal separation (EPSS)
(D). Decreased LA/AO ratio
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

To remember canine DCM echo findings:
- Ventricles become thin and weak \(\rightarrow\) Decreased contractility (EF & FS drop).
- Ventricles dilate \(\rightarrow\) Mitral valve cannot reach the septum \(\rightarrow\) EPSS increases.
- Blood backs up \(\rightarrow\) Left atrium dilates \(\rightarrow\) LA/AO ratio increases.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only
  • (A), (B) and (C) only
  • (A), (B), (C) and (D)
  • (B), (C) and (D) only
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by cardiac chamber dilation and poor myocardial contractility.
Echocardiography is the gold standard diagnostic tool to assess cardiac chamber dimensions and systolic function.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate the echocardiographic parameters in canine DCM:
- (A) Decreased ejection fraction (EF):
Ejection fraction is a key indicator of left ventricular systolic function.
In DCM, myocardial contractility is impaired, leading to a significant decrease in EF.
- (B) Decreased fractional shortening (FS):
Fractional shortening measures the percentage change in left ventricular luminal diameter during systole.
A marked decrease in FS (often $<15\%$) is a hallmark of systolic dysfunction in DCM.
- (C) Increased mitral valve E-point to septal separation (EPSS):
EPSS is the minimum distance between the anterior mitral valve leaflet and the interventricular septum during early diastole.
As the left ventricle dilates and systolic function worsens, the mitral valve fails to open fully toward the septum, resulting in an increased EPSS (often $>6-8$ mm).
- (D) Decreased LA/AO ratio:
In DCM, poor ventricular emptying and mitral regurgitation cause a backup of pressure into the left atrium.
This leads to left atrial dilation, which increases the Left Atrium to Aorta (LA/AO) ratio (not decreases).
Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct diagnostic findings, while (D) is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct diagnostic findings are represented by (A), (B), and (C) only, which corresponds to Option (B).
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