Mantis P, Baines E. Computed tomography: Why use it in small animal practice? The Veterinary Journal 2007;173:237-238.
Nuss K. Ultrasonography of musculoskeletal disorders in cattle: A practical tool for veterinary surgeons. The Veterinary Journal 2007;173:239-240.
Ohlerth S, Scharf G. Computed tomography in small animals – Basic principles and state of the art applications. The Veterinary Journal 2007;173:254-271.
Abstract – Since its clinical introduction, computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized veterinary medicine and is considered to be one of the most valuable tools for the imaging work-up of neurological, oncological and orthopaedic canine and feline patients. In small animals with acute trauma, particularly those involving complex anatomic areas such as the head, spine or pelvis, CT has been established as a standard imaging method. With the increasing availability of radiation therapy in veterinary medicine, CT has also become the principal tool to stage a tumour, assess response, and guide radiation therapy. The increasing availability of helical CT in veterinary medicine has allowed novel techniques such as spiral CT angiography and high-resolution CT. This review provides a brief overview of the historical and technical development of CT and literature reviews of the major clinical CT applications in small animals such as intracranial and extracranial lesions, the spine, the appendicular skeleton, and abdominal and thoracic diseases.
Altenbrunner-Martinek B, Grubelnik M, Kofler J. Ultrasonographic examination of important aspects of the bovine shoulder – physiological findings. The Veterinary Journal 2007;173:317-324.
The left and right shoulder region of 19 healthy cattle and the left and right shoulders of six bovine cadavers were examined ultrasonographically using a 7.5 MHz linear and a 3.5 MHz convex transducer. The lateral shoulder muscles were successfully imaged in all cases; the joint space appeared as a funnel shaped interruption of the hyperechoic bone surfaces of the distal part of the scapula and the proximal and lateral part of the humeral head. In healthy cattle, the synovial cavities of the scapulohumeral joint, the bicipital bursa and the infraspinous bursa could not be clearly defined. After experimental filling with water, the synovial cavities could be differentiated as discrete anechoic zones. In this study, the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the soft tissue structures and bone surfaces of the scapula and proximal humerus is presented, providing basic reference data for the ultrasonographic evaluation of the bovine shoulder region.
Alexander K, del Castillo JRE, Ybarra N, et al. Single-slice dynamic computed tomographic determination of glomerular filtration rate by use of Patlak plot analysis in anesthetized pigs. American Journal of Veterinary Research 2007;68:297-304.
Objective—To compare glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as estimated from Patlak plot analysis by use of single-slice computed tomography (CT) with that obtained from clearance of plasma inulin in pigs. Animals—8 healthy anesthetized juvenile pigs. Procedures—All pigs underwent precontrast, whole-kidney, helical CT; postcontrast single-slice dynamic CT; and postcontrast, whole-kidney CT for volume determination. On dynamic images, corrected Hounsfield unit values were determined for each kidney and the aorta. A Patlak plot for each kidney was generated, and plasma clearance per unit volume was multiplied by renal volume to obtain whole-animal contrast clearance. Mean GFR determined via inulin clearance (Inu-GFR) was measured from each kidney and correlated to mean GFR determined via CT (CT-GFR) for the left kidney, right kidney, and both kidneys by use of linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses. Results—CT-GFR results from 7 pigs were valid. Total and right kidney Inu-GFR were correlated with total and right kidney CT-GFR (total, R2 = 0.85; right kidney, R2 = 0.86). However, left kidney CT-GFR was poorly correlated with left kidney Inu-GFR (R2 = 0.47). Bland-Altman analysis revealed no significant bias between Inu-GFR and CT-GFR for the left kidney, right kidney, or both kidneys. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CT-GFR as determined by use of a single-slice acquisition technique, low-dose of iohexol, and Patlak plot analysis correlated without bias with Inu-GFR for the right kidney and both kidneys (combined). This technique has promise as an accurate CT-GFR method that can be combined with renal morphologic evaluation.
Reed WH, Ramirez S. What Is Your Diagnosis? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;230:661-662.
A 16-year-old castrated male Maltese was referred for evaluation of thrombocytopenia and ecchymoses.
Trostle SS, Casinella LL, Sussman KH, et al. What Is Your Diagnosis? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;230:663-664.
A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly was evaluated for lameness of the left hind limb of 4 months’ duration.
Boroffka SAEB, Verbruggen A-M, Grinwis GCM, et al. Assessment of ultrasonography and computed tomography for the evaluation of unilateral orbital disease in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;230:671-680.
Objective—To describe clinical, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic (CT) features of confirmed neoplastic and nonneoplastic disease in dogs with unilateral orbital diseases, determine criteria to differentiate between the 2 conditions, and assess the relative value of ultrasonography and CT for the differential diagnosis of these 2 conditions. Design—Prospective study. Animals—29 dogs with unilateral neoplastic orbital disease and 16 dogs with unilateral nonneoplastic orbital disease. Procedures—Clinical history and results of physical and ophthalmologic examinations were recorded. Ultrasonographic and CT images were evaluated, and discriminating factors were identified to differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic diseases. Diagnostic value of ultrasonography and CT was assessed. Results—Dogs with neoplastic disease were significantly older; had clinical signs for a longer time before initial examination; had more progressive onset of clinical signs; and more frequently had protrusion of the nictitating membrane, fever, and anorexia. The most discriminating factor for both imaging modalities was delineation of the margins (odds ratio was 41.7 for ultrasonography and 45 for CT), with neoplastic lesions clearly delineated more often. Ultrasonographically, neoplastic lesions were more frequently hypoechoic and homogeneous, with indentation of the globe and bone involvement evident more frequently than for nonneoplastic lesions. Mineralization was detected only with neoplasia. Fluctuant fluid was seen more frequently in dogs with nonneoplastic disease. Computed tomography more frequently revealed extraorbital involvement. Diagnostic value was similar for both imaging modalities. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonography and CT are valuable imaging modalities to assist in differentiating neoplastic from nonneoplastic unilateral orbital disease in dogs.
Ballegeer EA, Forrest LJ, Dickinson RM, et al. Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats: 32 cases (2002-2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007;230:690-696.
Objective—To determine the accuracy of cytologic diagnosis, compared with histologic diagnosis, in determination of disease in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates of splenic lesions. Design—Retrospective study. Sample Population—Splenic specimens from 29 dogs and 3 cats. Procedures—Records were searched for dogs and cats that had undergone ultrasound-guided splenic aspiration. Criteria for inclusion were ultrasonographic identification of splenic lesions and cytologic and histologic evaluation of tissue from the same lesion. Cytologic samples were obtained by fine-needle aspiration, and histologic specimens were obtained via surgical biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, or necropsy. Results—Cytologic diagnoses corresponded with histologic diagnoses in 19 of 31 (61.3%) cases and differed in 5 of 31(16.1%) cases, and 1 aspirate was inadequate for evaluation. In 7 of 31 (22.6%) cases, histologic evaluation of tissue architecture was required to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic conditions. On the basis of histologic diagnosis in 14 animals with nonneoplastic conditions, the cytologic diagnosis was correct in 11 cases, not definitive in 2 cases, and incorrect in 1 case. In 17 animals with malignant neoplastic diseases, the cytologic diagnosis was correct in 8 cases, not definitive but consistent with possible neoplasia in 5 cases, and incorrect in 4 cases. Multiple similar-appearing nodules were significantly associated with malignancy, whereas single lesions were more often benign. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasound-guided aspiration of splenic lesions is a minimally invasive tool for obtaining specimens for cytologic evaluation. Although cytologic diagnoses often reflect histologic results, if missampling or incomplete sampling occurs or tissue architecture is required to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic conditions, accurate diagnosis with fine-needle aspiration may not be possible.
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