Echocardiographic findings in 11 cats with acromegaly.

Background: Information regarding cardiac changes in domestic cats with acromegaly is limited.
Hypothesis/objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the echocardiographic findings in cats with acromegaly.
Animals: Eighteen cats diagnosed with acromegaly at Colorado State University between 2008 and 2012. Of these 18 cats, 11 had echocardiography performed.
Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was made to identify cats with acromegaly that also had echocardiography performed.
Results: Of the 11 cats identified, 7 had left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, 6 had left atrial enlargement, and 7 had evidence of abnormal diastolic function. All 11 cats had evidence of structural or functional cardiac disease.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cardiovascular abnormalities frequently are present in cats with acromegaly, and a complete cardiac evaluation should be considered in these patients.
(Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)