Budd-Chiari-like pathology in dolphins
Scientific reports publish this investigation article
July 25th, 2022
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
Fernandez A., Jepson PD., Diaz-Delgado J., Bernaldo de Quiros Y., Sierra E., Mompeo B., Vela AI., Di Guardo G., Suarez-Santana C., Espinosa de los Monteros A., Herraez P., Andrada M., Caballero MJ., Rivero M., Consoli F., Castro-Alonso A., Quesada-Canales O. and Arbelo M.
 | Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA). Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). |
| Institute of Zoology (ZSL). | |
| Human Medicine School. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). |
 | Servicio de Identificación y Caracterización Microbiana (ICM). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM). |
| Veterinary School. Teramo University. | |
| Canary Islands Oceanic Platform. | |
