Budd-Chiari-like pathology in dolphins

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 togeth...

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Published inScientific reports Vol. 12; no. 1; p. 12635
Main Authors Fernandez, Antonio, Jepson, Paul D., Diaz-Delgado, Josue, de Quiros, Yara Bernaldo, Sierra, Eva, Mompeo, Blanca, Vela, Ana Isabel, Di Guardo, Giovanni, Suarez-Santana, Cristian, de los Monteros, Antonio Espinosa, Herraez, Pedro, Andrada, Marisa, Caballero, Maria Jose, Rivero, Miguel, Consoli, Francesco, Castro-Alonso, Ayoze, Quesada-Canales, Oscar, Arbelo, Manuel
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London Nature Publishing Group 25.07.2022
Nature Publishing Group UK
Nature Portfolio
Subjects
Aquatic mammals
Cetacea
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Decompression
Embolism
Embolisms
Lesions
Sonar
Stranding
Whales
Ziphiidae
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Summary: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.
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ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-16947-0