Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Case report: Naturally occurring neurogenic stunned myocardium in a dog secondary to status epilepticus.
- Journal:
- Frontiers in veterinary science
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Dunham, Jacob et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old male neutered Boston Terrier had a serious condition called status epilepticus, which means he was having prolonged seizures. While he was in the hospital for treatment, he developed heart problems, including irregular heartbeats and issues with the movement of part of his heart. Tests showed that he had damage to his heart muscle, likely due to the seizures affecting his heart. He was treated with a medication called esmolol, and follow-up tests showed that his heart issues improved. Overall, the treatment was successful, and his heart function returned to normal.
Abstract
A 4-year-old male neutered Boston Terrier was presented with status epilepticus. He was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and hospitalized with supportive care. During hospitalization, the patient developed both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias as well as focal left ventricular dyskinesis. Cardiac troponin I was significantly increased, which was supportive of myocardial damage. Neurogenic stunned myocardium was suspected, and the patient was treated and responded to esmolol. Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated the resolution of the ventricular dyskinesia. This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, management, and outcome of the first reported case of naturally occurring neurogenic stunned myocardium in a dog. Electrocardiogram monitoring, cardiac troponin I, and echocardiography should be considered in patients presenting with seizure activity, especially when exhibiting cluster seizures or in status epilepticus.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38895716/