Veterinary echocardiographers' preferences for left atrial size assessment in cats: the BENEFIT project.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Veterinary echocardiographers' preferences for left atrial (LA) size assessment in cats have not been systematically investigated. The primary aim of this prospective exploratory study was to investigate echocardiographers' preferences concerning LA size assessment in cats. A secondary aim was to investigate echocardiographers' preferences for assessing LA size in subgroups based on geographic, demographic, and professional profiles. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: An online survey instrument was designed, verified, and distributed globally to veterinary echocardiographers. RESULTS: A total of 655 veterinary echocardiographers from six continents and 54 countries, working in specialty practice (56%) and in general practice (38%), provided data. Linear two-dimensional (2D) technique was favored by most echocardiographers (n = 612) for LA size assessment. Most commonly, respondents combined linear 2D with subjective assessment (n = 227), while 209 used linear 2D-based methods alone. Most echocardiographers using linear 2D-based methods preferred the right parasternal short-axis view and to index the LA to the aorta (Ao). Approximately 10% of the respondents obtained LA dimensions from a right parasternal long-axis four-chamber view. Approximately one-third of echocardiographers that made linear measurements from 2D echocardiograms shared the same preferences regarding cat position, acquisition view, indexing method and time point identification for the LA measurement. The responses were comparably homogeneous across geographic location, level of training, years performing echocardiography, and type of practice. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Most veterinary echocardiographers assessed LA size in cats using linear 2D echocardiography from a right parasternal short-axis view, and indexed LA to Ao. Respondents' preferences were similar over geographic, demographic, and professional backgrounds.

Veterinary echocardiographers' preferences for left atrial size assessment in dogs: the BENEFIT project.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Veterinary echocardiographers' preferences for left atrial (LA) size assessment in dogs have never been systematically investigated. The primary aim of this international survey study was to investigate echocardiographers' preferences for LA size assessment in dogs. The secondary aim was to investigate echocardiographers' preferences for assessing LA size in subgroups based on geographic, demographic, and professional profiles. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: An online survey instrument was designed, verified, and distributed globally to the veterinary echocardiographers. RESULTS: A total of 670 echocardiographers from 54 countries on six continents completed the survey. Most echocardiographers (n = 621) used linear two-dimensional (2D)-based methods to assess LA size, 379 used subjective assessment, and 151 used M-mode-based methods. Most commonly, echocardiographers combined linear 2D-based methods with subjective assessment (n = 222), whereas 191 used linear 2D-based methods alone. Most echocardiographers (n = 436) using linear 2D-based methods preferred the right parasternal short-axis view and indexed the LA to the aorta. Approximately 30% (n = 191) of the echocardiographers who performed linear measurements from 2D echocardiograms shared the same preferences regarding dog position, acquisition view, indexing method, and identification of the time-point used for the measurement. The responses were comparably homogeneous across geographic location, training level, years of performing echocardiography, and type of practice. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Most veterinary echocardiographers assessed LA size in dogs using linear 2D echocardiography from a right parasternal short-axis view, and by indexing the LA to the aorta. The respondents' preferences were similar across geographic, demographic, and professional backgrounds.