Septal-to-basal ventricular peak activation time determined by vectorcardiography as a potential new pre-screening parameter for preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers.

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains challenging in primary veterinary medicine due to the need for echocardiography and 24-h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. A readily available pre-screening tool to identify dogs at high risk could optimize current screening practice. Electrocardiographic methods have not been investigated for this purpose. Vectorcardiographic septal-to-basal ventricular peak activation time (SB-VPAT) was investigated in a preliminary pilot study. We hypothesize that SB-VPAT is a sensitive parameter for detection of systolic dysfunction due to preclinical DCM stage B2 and correlates with left ventricular size and function in Doberman Pinschers.

ANIMALS: One hundred and twenty-two Doberman Pinschers (98 control and 24 with systolic dysfunction due to preclinical DCM).

METHODS

Prospective cross-sectional study. All dogs underwent echocardiography, three-minute six or 12-lead ECG and RELF ECG. Based on echocardiographic evaluation, dogs were classified into a control group (including apparently healthy dogs and dogs with ventricular arrhythmia's only) or a group with systolic dysfunction associated with preclinical DCM stage B2. ROC curves of SB-VPAT and its correlation with left ventricular size and function were analyzed.

RESULTS

SB-VPAT ≥33.5 ms had a sensitivity of 94.4% and specificity of 83.6% for the detection of systolic dysfunction due to preclinical DCM stage B2 (AUC 0.954, SD 0.022). Furthermore, SB-VPAT was strongly correlated with the left ventricular systolic diameter, systolic volume index and moderately inversely correlated with EF.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL

IMPORTANCE

In conclusion, SB-VPAT is a sensitive parameter to detect systolic dysfunction associated with preclinical DCM stage B2. Further investigation of its diagnostic potential compared to or in combination with other tools in a primary care veterinary setting is warranted.