학술논문
Budd-Chiari-like pathology in dolphins
Document Type
article
Author
Antonio Fernandez; Paul D. Jepson; Josue Diaz-Delgado; Yara Bernaldo de Quiros; Eva Sierra; Blanca Mompeo; Ana Isabel Vela; Giovanni Di Guardo; Cristian Suarez-Santana; Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros; Pedro Herraez; Marisa Andrada; Maria Jose Caballero; Miguel Rivero; Francesco Consoli; Ayoze Castro-Alonso; Oscar Quesada-Canales; Manuel Arbelo
Source
Scientific Reports, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2022)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2045-2322
Abstract
Abstract Nearly two decades ago, pathologic examination results suggested that acoustic factors, such as mid-frequency active naval military sonar (MFAS) could be the cause of acute decompression-like sickness in stranded beaked whales. Acute systemic gas embolism in these whales was reported together with enigmatic cystic liver lesions (CLL), characterized by intrahepatic encapsulated gas-filled cysts, tentatively interpreted as “gas-bubble” lesions in various other cetacean species. Here we provide a pathologic reinterpretation of CLL in odontocetes. Among 1,200 cetaceans necropsied, CLL were only observed in four striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), with a low prevalence (2%, N = 179). Together, our data strongly suggest that CLL are the result of the combination of a pre-existing or concomitant hepatic vascular disorder superimposed and exacerbated by gas bubbles, and clearly differ from acute systemic gas embolism in stranded beaked whales that is linked to MFAS. Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in dolphins is hypothesized based on the present pathologic findings. Nonetheless, further researched is warranted to determine precise etiopathogenesis(es) and contributing factors for CLL in cetaceans.