Computed tomography examination of the os cordis in a lamb (Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Objective. The present paper aims to investigate the role of computed tomography as an imaging technique of diagnosis in the identification of the os cordis in ovine, and also how this anatomical structure is morphotopographically characterized in macro and microscopic contexts, seeking to contribute for its functional understanding. Materials and method. The heart of a young male ovine had been donated to the Laboratory of Animal Anatomy of the Surgery Department of the FMVZ/USP, first being subject to a post-mortem examination by means of the cardiac “shedding” (transverse cross sectioning of the heart). A tomographic examination of the anatomic specimen was carried out, as well as the dissection and histological analysis of the collected sample. Results. The results indicate the presence of an osseous structure of 6.39 mm in length, located in the aortic valve of the heart, next to a ring comprised by three valve flaps, tendinous cords, and papillary muscles. The histological findings consist of fibrous connective tissue, cancellous bone tissue, and calcified hyaline cartilage wherein the cardiomyocytes are attached. Conclusions. It is concluded that computed tomography, even though seldom applied to animals of zootechnical interest, poses as an effective tool for the visualization of the os cordis in lambs.

Ossa cordis and os aorta in the one‐humped camel: Computed tomography, light microscopy and morphometric analysis

“…These had an average length and thickness of 18.10 and 2.30 mm respectively in sheep, and 16.99 and 2.25 mm in goats (Mohammadpour, 2007 ). Other publications have also reported a single os cordis in sheep, with its location reported as within the fibrous ring in both sheep and goats (Massari et al, 2021 ; Tipirdamaz, 1987 ). Interestingly, the Tibetan‐sheep has two Ossa cordis dextrum in the right fibrous ring, one triangular in shape measuring 76 ± 0.21 mm in length and the other one averaging 0.13 ± 0.24 mm long (Anguo & Chongcun, 1991 ).…”

“…These had an average length and thickness of 18.10 and 2.30 mm respectively in sheep, and 16.99 and 2.25 mm in goats (Mohammadpour, 2007). Other publications have also reported a single os cordis in sheep, with its location reported as within the fibrous ring in both sheep and goats (Massari et al, 2021;Tipirdamaz, 1987).…”

“…Ossification within the heart is difficult to detect using echocardiography and radiograph but relatively easy of exposure of bone or mineralized cartilage by micro‐CT (Moittié et al, 2020). Recent investigations using computed tomography to identify the Ossa cordis in ovines, detected only a single os cordis dextrum (Massari et al, 2021 ). The present study has shown CT methods, which work even with a relatively large heart, when identifying even small Ossa cordis and os aorta.…”

Anatomy, histology, development and functions of Ossa cordis: A review

“…Unfortunately, this study only investigated the right atria from sheep; therefore, it is possible that the third bone was a fragment of the os cordis dextrum as previously described (Frink & Merrick, 1974 ), or that it was not associated with Ossa cordis but was part of the atrial myocardium. A more recent investigation using computed tomography additionally identified a single os cordis in a four‐month‐old lamb (Massari, Ferreira‐Silva, Riceti‐Magalhães, Souza‐Silva, & Miglino, 2021 ).…”

“…(Daghash & FarghaliI, 2017)(David, 1937) Buffalo (3 years+) 100% (14) 100% (6) 100% (14) 100% (6)(Daghash & FarghaliI, 2017)(David, 1937) Cattle, Holstein (<2 years) 100% (40) 80.0% (40)(Pour, 2004) Cattle, Iranian (<2 years) 100% (40) 20.0% (40)(Pour, 2004) Cattle, beef, no breed stated 100% (8) 37.5% (8)(James, 1965) Elephant (21-38 years) 0% (2) 0% (2)(Endo et al, 2005) Elephant (56 years) 100% (1) 100% (1)(Endo et al, 2005) Sheep (Fetus) 0% (5) 0% (5)(Nabipour & Shahabodini, 2007) Sheep (4 months) 100% (1) 0% (1)(Massari et al, 2021) Sheep (Unknown Age) 100% (25) 40.0% (25)(Frink & Merrick, 1974) Sheep (1.5-2 years) 52% (50) 0% (50)(Mohammadpour & Arabi, 2007) …”