12 - Documenting the Cardiothoracic Anatomy of the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla) for Improved Clinical Outcomes for Captive Gorillas

Poster Board Number: 12
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Kyle Robertson - Indiana University School of Medicine; Tom Meehan - Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo; Andrew Deane - Indiana University School of Medicine

Abstract Body :
Introduction and Objective: Gorillas are critically endangered. Only the western lowland gorilla (G.g.gorilla) is represented in captive populations and numbers approximately 750 individuals worldwide. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in captive gorillas, but unlike humans who commonly suffer from atherosclerosis, gorilla heart disease predominantly involves fibrosing cardiomyopathy and aortic dissection. Consequently, a detailed understanding of cardiothoracic anatomy is paramount for their clinical treatment yet there are few available resources describing this anatomy. Existing anatomical descriptions are either outdated (i.e., lacking in detail, documented with artistic renderings) or else hyper-focused descriptions of very limited subsets of cardiac anatomy that are widely dispersed throughout the literature. The current study provides an updated and more detailed description of gorilla cardiothoracic anatomy employing modern imaging modalities. Materials and Methods: Detailed gross anatomical dissection of the thoracic anatomy with specific focus on cardiac structures was completed for a 51-year-old male gorilla. Dissections were documented via digital photography. Prior to dissections thoracic anatomy was documented via MRI and CT. Histopathological analysis and linear measurements of select cardiac tissues were employed to confirm a diagnosis of fibrosing cardiomyopathy. Results: Detailed photographic documentation was completed and used to create a comprehensive digital anatomical resource. Dimensions of specific cardiac structures (i.e., ventricular and atrial wall thickness) are consistent with advanced fibrosing cardiomyopathy. Conclusions: Although differing minimally in overall structure from typical human anatomy, key anatomical and proportional differences in select gorilla cardiac structures may be significant for the clinical treatment of these animals. Significance and Implications: This project represents the first attempt to complete a comprehensive digital anatomical resource describing gorilla cardiothoracic anatomy and will benefit the future care and treatment of captive gorillas.