BEST PRACTICES FOR THE CARDIAC NECROPSY: TIPS FOR CLINICIANS (AND PATHOLOGISTS) PERFORMING APE NECROPSIES

摘要

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of mortality in all of the captive ape species and has even been diagnosed in some wild gorillas and chimpanzees.2 Historically, post-mortem cardiac evaluation has been performed by numerous independent prosectors using varying protocols. While this allows diagnosis of an individual case, the lack of standardization hinders analysis of data across populations as lesions and measurements can vary depending on sampling site. Standardized necropsy protocolsare critical for collecting data which can be compared within and among species to accomplish the goals of the Great Ape Heart Project based at Zoo Atlanta, including a clinicopathological database to improve diagnosis, treatment and our understanding ofcardiovascular disease in apes. In human medicine, there are agreed upon criteria and sections to examine in post-mortem evaluation of hearts.3 Much of this methodology is directly applicable to the study of cardiac disease in apes but is different fromthe techniques commonly taught in pathology labs during veterinary school. Therefore, the goal of this presentation is to introduce both clinicians and pathologists to best practices for evaluating ape hearts at necropsy. Both basic and more advanced protocols (see below rationale) will also be available in free downloads in both iBook and Android formats.