Cytological diagnosis of cardiac masses with ultrasound guided fine needle aspirates

BackgroundCardiac masses are uncommon in the canine population. When present, an attempt should be made to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Our goal with this case series was to report that as long as anatomic location permits, obtaining fine needle aspirates (FNAs) for cytological evaluation is practical, safe, and may provide a definitive diagnosis.MethodsOur database has been retrospectively searched for cases where FNA of cardiac masses have been performed.ResultsA total of six cases were retrieved. Four dogs were under general anaesthesia and two were sedated. Ultrasound guided transthoracic FNAs were obtained in all cases with only minor complications: mild self-limiting pericardial effusion (n = 1) and one ventricular ectopic complex (n = 1). All dogs were closely monitored during the procedure (pulse oximetry, electrocardiography and blood pressure). A diagnosis was obtained in all cases: inflammation (n = 1), haemangiosarcoma (n = 2), sarcoma (n = 2) and chemodectoma (n = 1).ConclusionA cytological diagnosis allows clinicians to make appropriate clinical decisions, has dramatic impact on treatment recommendations and gives information about prognosis.