Thoracic aortic rupture in horses.

Authors: Ploeg M, Saey V, van Loon G, Delesalle C

Journal: Equine veterinary journal

DOI: 10.1111/evj.12641 PubMed: 27783422Log in to save

Summary

# Thoracic aortic rupture in horses Aortic rupture represents a catastrophic cardiovascular condition in horses, but its presentation and underlying pathophysiology differ substantially between breed groups. Ploeg and colleagues examined rupture sites and mechanisms across equine populations, revealing that whilst most breeds experience aortic root rupture leading to aortocardiac fistulae (abnormal communications between the aorta and cardiac chambers), young Friesian horses display a distinctly different pathology: aortic arch rupture with pseudoaneurysm formation and potential aortopulmonary fistulation. The breed-specific pattern in Friesians, coupled with documented differences in extracellular matrix composition and turnover between Friesians and Warmbloods, points to genetic predisposition as a significant aetiological factor in this population. Practically, this distinction matters considerably for clinicians: standard echocardiographic protocols may fail to identify aortic arch pathology, necessitating modified imaging approaches—particularly thoracic ultrasound positioning and careful scrutiny of the arch region—to detect rupture in at-risk young Friesians before catastrophic failure occurs. Given the breed's narrow genetic base, awareness of this condition is essential for owners, breeders and veterinarians managing Friesian horses presenting with unexplained cardiac signs or sudden cardiovascular collapse.

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Practical Takeaways

•Friesian horses have significantly higher risk of aortic arch rupture compared to other breeds; young Friesians presenting with sudden cardiac signs warrant specific aortic arch imaging protocols
•Standard echocardiography may miss aortic arch rupture; diagnostic protocols must be adapted or supplemented with post-mortem examination when aortic rupture is suspected in Friesians
•Breeding decisions in Friesians should consider the genetic predisposition to aortic rupture given the narrow genetic base and known extracellular matrix abnormalities in the breed

Key Findings

•Aortic rupture occurs at the aortic root in most horse breeds but at the aortic arch in young Friesian horses
•Friesian aortic arch rupture presents with pseudoaneurysm and potential aortopulmonary fistulation, requiring adapted diagnostic techniques
•Genetic factors likely contribute to aortic rupture susceptibility in Friesians due to narrow genetic base and differences in extracellular matrix composition compared to Warmbloods
•Standard echocardiographic approaches may fail to identify aortic arch rupture, requiring protocol modifications for detection

Conditions Studied

thoracic aortic ruptureaortic root ruptureaortic arch ruptureaortocardiac fistulaaortopulmonary fistulationpseudoaneurysm

Related References

Differences in extracellular matrix proteins between Friesian horses with aortic rupture, unaffected Friesians and Warmblood horses.

Ploeg M, Gröne A, van de Lest C H A, Saey V, Duchateau L, Wolsein P, Chiers K, Ducatelle R, van Weeren P R, de Bruijn M, Delesalle C(2017)Equine veterinary journal

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