March Image of the Month

YOU BE THE CARDIAC IMAGING SPECIALIST!

What type of echography was used to evaluate the tricuspid valve of this sheep?

ANSWER

IntraCardiac Echography (ICE)!

ICE is the only minimally invasive way to properly assess the tricuspid valve in ovines. In comparison to cardiac imaging in humans, transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography in ovines are more difficult and often yield images of lower quality. ICE is a very good alternative: it allows fine assessment of the tricuspid leaflets and precise characterization of any valvular insufficiency. In this case, we observed mild to moderate central tricuspid regurgitation associated with a dilated right ventricle and tricuspid annulus.

For preclinical evaluation of prosthetic tricuspid valve medical devices, selection of an appropriate animal model and imaging method are essential.¹

¹Chevènement O, Borenstein N, Kieval R, Fiette L, Aujard F: Animal model considerations to evaluate prosthetic tricuspid valve implants. Annals of Anatomy 2021;234:151625.