A recurrent de novo missense mutation in COL1A1 causes osteogenesis imperfecta type II and preterm delivery in Normande cattle.

BACKGROUND: Nine male and eight female calves born to a Normande artificial insemination bull named "Ly" were referred to the French National Observatory of Bovine Abnormalities for multiple fractures, shortened gestation, and stillbirth or perinatal mortality. RESULTS: Using Illumina BovineSNP50 array genotypes from affected calves and 84 half-sib controls, the associated locus was mapped to a 6.5-Mb interval on chromosome 19, assuming autosomal inheritance with germline mosaicism. Subsequent comparison of the whole-genome sequences of one case and 5116 control genomes, followed by genotyping in the affected pedigree, identified a de novo missense substitution within the NC1 domain of the COL1A1 gene (Chr19 g.36,473,965G > A; p.D1412N) as unique candidate variant. Interestingly, the affected residue was completely conserved among 243 vertebrate orthologs, and the same substitution in humans has been reported to cause type II osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a connective tissue disorder that is characterized primarily by bone deformity and fragility. Moreover, three COL1A1 mutations have been described to cause the same syndrome in cattle. Necropsy, computed tomography, radiology, and histology confirmed the diagnosis of type II OI, further supporting the causality of this variant. In addition, a detailed analysis of gestation length and perinatal mortality in 1387 offspring of Ly and more than 160,000 progeny of 63 control bulls allowed us to statistically confirm in a large pedigree the association between type II OI and preterm delivery, which is probably due to premature rupture of fetal membranes and has been reported in several isolated cases of type II OI in humans and cattle. Finally, analysis of perinatal mortality rates and segregation distortion supported a low level of germ cell mosaicism in Ly, with an estimate of 4.5% to 7.7% of mutant sperm and thus 63 to 107 affected calves born. These numbers contrast with the 17 cases reported and raise concerns about the underreporting of congenital defects to heredo-surveillance platforms, even for textbook genetic syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we describe a large animal model for a recurrent substitution in COL1A1 that is responsible for type II OI in humans. More generally, this study highlights the utility of such datasets and large half-sib families available in livestock species to characterize sporadic genetic defects.

Usefulness of serum amyloid A for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats: A prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats is challenging and development of a noninvasive and accurate biomarker is needed. HYPOTHESES: Serum amyloid A (SAA) is increased in cats with pyelonephritis, but not in cats with other urinary tract diseases. ANIMALS: A cohort of 125 cats (149 observations). METHODS: This was a prospective study. Group 1 included cats with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis either confirmed by bacterial culture of pelvic urine (Group 1a) or presumed (1b). Group 2 included cats for which pyelonephritis was ruled out (with certainty: Group 2a or judged unlikely: Group 2b). SAA concentration was compared between groups, and accuracy of SAA for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis was calculated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Median SAA concentration was significantly higher in Group 1a (86.8 mg/L [73.3; 161.5]; n = 8) than in Group 2a (4 mg/L [1.8; 5.6], n = 19; P < .001) and in Group 2b (5.4 mg/L [3.1; 9.7], n = 113; P < .001). It was also significantly higher in Group 1b (98.8 mg/L [83.1; 147.3]; n = 9) than in Group 2b (P < .001) and Group 2a (P < .001). Optimal diagnostic cut-off for SAA concentration was 51.3 mg/L. yielding a sensitivity of 88% (95% confidence interval: [64%; 99%]) and a specificity of 94% (95% confidence interval: [88%; 97%]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Measurement of SAA could be used to rule out pyelonephritis in the case of low suspicion of the disease. Increased SAA concentration is suggestive of pyelonephritis despite a lack of specificity.

Congenital Partial Colonic Agenesis in Dogs and Cats: Clinical, Biological, Diagnostic Imaging, Endoscopic and Histopathologic Characterization, a Retrospective Study.

Congenital diseases of the large intestine of dogs and cats have scarcely been reported and mostly include fistula, atresia or colonic duplication. Cases of partial colonic agenesis have rarely been described. The purpose of this study was to report a cohort of dogs and cats diagnosed with partial colonic agenesis. The colon was measured during colonoscopy or contrast-radiography and compared to the average length described in the literature. Six dogs and 17 cats were retrospectively included. Depending on the case, partial colonic agenesis could represent an incidental finding or the likeliest cause of clinical signs. Diarrhea was reported in most cases, and no specific clinical or biological abnormality was observed. Median age of presentation was variable and long asymptomatic periods were common. Abdominal ultrasound was useful and identified a short colon in 14/17 cats but only in one dog. Endoscopy was useful to confirm the diagnosis and to identify associated lesions and complications. Among others, colonic stenosis was reported in 8/9 cases that had lifelong clinical signs and the shortest colon length. This anatomical abnormality could promote chronic inflammation that might generate fibrosis and ultimately stenosis.

Survey of factors affecting satisfaction and success of residents enrolled in European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) residency programs.

Several published studies have described the success and satisfaction of residents enrolled in human radiology training programs, however comparable studies for veterinary radiology residents are currently lacking. The purpose of this descriptive, survey study was to evaluate resident perceptions of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) residency training programs. A web-based survey was sent to all listed 114 ECVDI residents and received a 57.0% response (65/114). Of these, 88% of respondents enjoyed their training and 73.5% of finishing respondents agreed they felt ready to work as a veterinary radiologist. First-time pass rates for the theoretical and practical components of the board certifying examinations were >80%. Regarding research and exam preparation, 41.5% and 49.2% of respondents, respectively, did not feel they received appropriate guidance. Eleven percent of respondents felt a lack of mentoring and 7.7% reported  not receiving annual appraisals. Findings from this study can be used as background for future studies on perceptions of ECVDI residents and ECVDI residency program directors and for future policy decisions regarding ECVDI residency training programs.

Cats with idiopathic chronic rhinosinusitis that develop clinical signs before two years of age have more severe nasal conchal lysis, sinus malformation, and more severe inflammation on histological examination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the severity of sinonasal lesions on CT in cats with feline idiopathic chronic rhinosinusitis (FICR) comparing cats who developed the condition at a young age to those who developed it as an adult. And, to assess if CT findings correlate with histopathology. ANIMALS: 58 cats with FICR confirmed on histopathology. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Cats were divided into 2 groups based on their age category: juvenile (group 1, n = 30) and adult (group 2, 28), with juvenile cats being 2 years old or younger and adults being older than 2 years at the onset of clinical signs. Computed tomographic findings were recorded and graded (mild, moderate, and severe) by a board-certified radiologist, comparing each group. The CT findings were then compared to the histopathology results. RESULTS: The overall CT grade was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .21). Nasal conchal lysis was more severe in group 1 than in group 2 (P = .002), and group 1 also had a higher incidence of sinusal malformation (OR 2.42). Inflammatory infiltrates were more severe on histopathology in group 1 than in group 2 (OR 4.95), and the overall CT grade was slightly positively associated with the histological severity (κ = 0.2). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feline idiopathic chronic rhinosinusitis was associated with more severe nasal conchal lysis, sinus malformation, and more severe inflammation on histopathological examination in cats that develop clinical signs before 2 years of age. This finding could have an impact in term of clinical signs severity.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography perfusion parameters of canine suspected brain tumors at baseline and during radiotherapy might be different depending on tumor location but not associated with survival.

Introduction: Treatment of brain tumors in dogs can be associated with significant morbidity and reliable prognostic factors are lacking. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCECT) can be used to assess tumor perfusion. The objectives of this study were to assess perfusion parameters and change in size of suspected brain tumors before and during radiotherapy (RT) depending on their location and find a potential correlation with survival. Methods: Seventeen client-owned dogs with suspected brain tumors were prospectively recruited. All dogs had a baseline DCECT to assess mass size, blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), and transit time (TT). Twelve dogs had a repeat DCECT after 12 Gy of megavoltage RT. Survival times were calculated. Results: Intra-axial masses had lower BF (p = 0.005) and BV (p < 0.001) than extra-axial masses but not than pituitary masses. Pituitary masses had lower BF (p = 0.001) and BV (p = 0.004) than extra-axial masses. The volume of the mass was positively associated with TT (p = 0.001) but not with BF and BV. Intra-axial masses showed a more marked decrease in size than extra-axial and pituitary masses during RT (p = 0.022 for length, p = 0.05 for height). Extra-axial masses showed a greater decrease in BF (p = 0.011) and BV (p = 0.012) during RT than pituitary masses and intra-axial masses. Heavier dogs had a shorter survival time (p = 0.011). Perfusion parameters were not correlated with survival. Conclusion: DCECT perfusion parameters and change in size of brain masses during RT might be different based on the location of the mass.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography in dogs with nasal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of nasal tumors in dogs is associated with high morbidity and reliable prognostic factors are lacking. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCECT) can be used to assess tumor perfusion. OBJECTIVES: To assess perfusion parameters of nasal tumors (correlating with tumor type) before and during radiotherapy (RT) and find potential correlation with survival. ANIMALS: Twenty-four client-owned dogs with nasal tumors, including 16 epithelial tumors and 8 sarcomas. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study. All dogs had baseline DCECT to assess fractional vascular volume (BV), blood flow (BF), and transit time (TT). Thirteen dogs had repeat DCECT after 12 Gy of megavoltage RT. Survival times were calculated. RESULTS: Median BV was 17.83 mL/100 g (range, 3.63-66.02), median BF was 122.63 mL/100 g/minute (range, 23.65-279.99), and median TT was 8.91 seconds (range, 4.57-14.23). Sarcomas had a significantly lower BF than adenocarcinomas (P = .002), carcinomas (P = .01), and other carcinomas (P = .001), and significantly lower BV than adenocarcinomas (P = .03) and other carcinomas (P = .004). Significant associations were found between epithelial tumors and sarcoma for change in tumor volume (P = .01), width (P = .004), and length (P = .02) in that epithelial tumors decreased in volume whereas sarcomas increased in volume. Perfusion parameters were not correlated with survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Nasal sarcomas have lower BV and BF than nasal carcinomas, and sarcomas have a lower size reduction than carcinomas early on during RT. Baseline results and changes in perfusion parameters may not be correlated with survival.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography in 11 dogs with orofacial tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of orofacial tumors in dogs is associated with high morbidity and reliable prognostic factors are lacking. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCECT) can be used to assess tumor perfusion. The objectives of this study were to describe the perfusion parameters of different types of orofacial tumors and to describe the changes in perfusion parameters during radiotherapy (RT) in a subset of them. ANIMALS: 11 dogs with orofacial tumors prospectively recruited. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND PROCEDURES: All dogs had baseline DCECT to assess blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), and transit time (TT). Five dogs had repeat DCECT during megavoltage RT. RESULTS: 5 squamous cell carcinomas, 3 sarcomas, 1 melanoma, 1 histiocytic sarcoma, and 1 acanthomatous ameloblastoma were included. Blood volume and BF were higher in squamous cell carcinomas than in sarcomas, although no statistical analysis was performed. At repeat DCECT, 4 dogs showed a reduction in the size of their tumor during RT. Among these dogs, 3 showed an increase in BV and BF and 1 a decrease in these parameters between the baseline and the follow-up DCECT. The only dog whose tumor increased in size between the first and the second DCECT showed a decrease in BV and BF. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Perfusion parameters derived from DCECT were described in a series of dogs with various types of orofacial tumors. The results suggest that epithelial tumors could have higher BV and BF than mesenchymal tumors, although larger sample sizes are needed to support these preliminary findings.

Suspected spontaneous early hemorrhagic transformation of multiple ischemic strokes secondary to primary splenic torsion in a German Shepherd dog.

A 3-year-old female German Shepherd dog was presented with generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizures, right-sided central vestibular syndrome, and right trigeminal nerve dysfunction. Acute lacunar ischemic strokes within both thalami, right side of the mesencephalon, left side of the myelencephalon, both sides of the cervical spinal cord, and acute hemorrhagic strokes within the rostral part of the right cerebellar hemisphere and right rostral colliculus were identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Additional evaluation identified multiple renal infarcts and complete splenic torsion, with entrapment of the left pancreatic lobe. Medical management, splenectomy, partial pancreatectomy, and intensive physical rehabilitation led to clinical improvement. The histology of the spleen was consistent with hemorrhagic infarction. Three months after onset, neurological examination identified only mild vestibular sequelae. The final diagnosis was multiple ischemic strokes secondary to primary splenic torsion. Spontaneous early hemorrhagic transformation, a well-known condition in human medicine, also was found in this case.

Prevalence of bronchial wall thickening and collapse in brachycephalic dogs with and without brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and in nonbrachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of bronchial wall thickening (BWT) and collapse in brachycephalic dogs with and without brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and in nonbrachycephalic dogs. ANIMALS: 85 dogs with no history of lower respiratory tract disease that underwent CT of the thorax. PROCEDURES: Electronical medical records for March 2011 through August 2019 were reviewed to identify brachycephalic dogs with BOAS (BOAS group) and brachycephalic dogs without BOAS (BDWB group) that did not have any evidence of lower respiratory tract disease and had undergone thoracic CT. A population of nonbrachycephalic dogs of similar weight (control dogs) was also retrospectively recruited. RESULTS: BWT was identified in 28 of 30 (93.3%; 95% CI, 80.3% to 98.6%) dogs in the BOAS group, 15 of 26 (57.7%; 95% CI, 38.7% to 75.0%) dogs in the BDWB group, and 10 of 28 (35.7%; 95% CI, 20.1% to 54.2%) control dogs. On multivariable analysis, only brachycephalic conformation (P < 0.01) and body weight (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with the presence of BWT. Bronchial collapse was identified in 17 of 30 (56.7%; 95% CI, 39.0% to 73.1%) dogs in the BOAS group, 17 of 26 (65.4%; 95% CI, 46.3% to 81.3%) dogs in the BDWB group, and 3 of 28 (10.7%; 95% CI, 3.1% to 25.9%) control dogs. On multivariable analysis, only brachycephalic conformation was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with the presence of bronchial collapse. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A relationship between brachycephalic conformation and body weight with BWT was established, with heavier dogs having thicker bronchial walls. However, further studies are required to investigate the cause. Bronchial collapse was also more common in dogs with brachycephalic conformation, which is in agreement with the previously published literature.

Imaging characteristics of thoracolumbar spinal stenosis due to articular process hyperplasia and degenerative joint disease in six large breed dogs.

Previous studies have reported evidence that thoracolumbar articular process hyperplasia and degenerative joint disease may be a cause of stenotic myelopathy in large breed dogs; however, detailed descriptions of imaging characteristics are currently lacking. The aim of this retrospective, multi-center, case series report was to describe imaging findings in six large breed dogs diagnosed with thoracolumbar articular process hyperplasia and degenerative joint disease causing vertebral canal stenosis. All dogs presented with progressive paraparesis, proprioceptive ataxia of the pelvic limbs, and neuroanatomical localization of T3-L3 myelopathy. All dogs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracolumbar spine and had articular process malformations at T13-L1 (three German Shepherd dogs (GSD) and a Boxer dog) or T12-T13 (two mixed-breed dogs). Five cases were managed surgically. Findings provided more detailed imaging descriptions and supported previously published studies indicating that maldevelopment of articular processes and secondary degenerative changes can be a cause of thoracolumbar spinal stenosis and myelopathy in large breed dogs. While uncommon, this condition should be included as a differential diagnosis for large breed dogs presenting with a T3-L3 myelopathy.

Imaging features of retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paragangliomas in 10 dogs.

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. Only a few canine case reports are available with rare descriptions of their imaging features. The objectives of this multi-center, retrospective case series study were to describe the diagnostic imaging features of confirmed retroperitoneal paragangliomas and specify their location. Medical records and imaging studies of 10 affected dogs with cytological or histopathologic results concordant with retroperitoneal paragangliomas were evaluated. Dogs had a median age of 9 years. Four of them had clinical signs and laboratory reports compatible with excessive production of catecholamines. Six ultrasound, four CT, four radiographic, and one MRI studies were included. The paragangliomas did not have a specific location along the aorta. They were of various sizes (median 33 mm, range: 9-85 mm of length). Masses had heterogeneous parenchyma in six of 10 dogs, regardless of the imaging modality. Strong contrast enhancement was found in all CT studies. Encircling of at least one vessel was detected in six of 10 masses, clear invasion of a vessel was identified in one of 10 masses. In five of 10 cases, the masses were initially misconstrued as lymph nodes by the on-site radiologist. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas appear along the abdominal aorta, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma, possibly affecting the local vasculature, and displaying strong contrast enhancement on CT. Clinical signs can be secondary to mass effects or excessive catecholamine production. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures.

Myocarditis and Subclinical-Like Infection Associated With SARS-CoV-2 in Two Cats Living in the Same Household in France: A Case Report With Literature Review.

This report provides the first clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and biological description of SARS-CoV-2-associated myocarditis with a 6-month follow-up in a 5-year-old obese male domestic shorthair cat (Cat-1) presented for refractory congestive heart failure, with high cardiac troponin-I level (5.24 ng/ml), and a large lingual ulcer. The animal was SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. The other cat living in the same household (Cat-2) never showed any clinical sign but was also confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. Both cats were SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative. Cat-1 had closer contact than Cat-2 with their owner, who had been in close contact with a coworker tested PCR positive for COVID-19 (Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant) 4 weeks before Cat-1's first episode of congestive heart failure. A focused point-of-care echocardiography at presentation revealed for Cat-1 numerous B-lines, pleural effusion, severe left atrial dilation and dysfunction, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype associated with focal pulmonary consolidations. Both myocarditis and pneumonia were suspected, leading to the prescription of cardiac medications and antibiotics. One month later, Cat-1 recovered, with normalization of left atrial size and function, and radiographic and echocardiography disappearance of heart failure signs and pulmonary lesions. An extensive literature review of SARS-CoV-2-related cardiac injury in pets in comparison with human pathology is discussed.

Imaging findings in 14 dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema.

BACKGROUND: Lobar emphysema in dogs and cats is caused by bronchial collapse during expiration and subsequent air trapping. Congenital causes such as bronchial cartilage defects or acquired causes such as compressive neoplastic lesions have been reported. Morbidity results from hyperinflation of the affected lung lobe and compression of adjacent thoracic structures. OBJECTIVE: To describe patient characteristics and imaging findings in dogs and cats with lobar emphysema. ANIMALS: Fourteen dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema diagnosed by imaging findings were retrospectively identified from veterinary referral hospital populations over a 10-year period. METHODS: Cases that included thoracic radiography, thoracic computed tomography (CT), or both were included. All images were reviewed by a European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging diplomate. Relevant case information included signalment, clinical findings, treatment, and histopathology where available. RESULTS: Ten of 17 (59%) patients were presented for evaluation of dyspnea and 6 (35%) for coughing. Eleven (65%) patients were <3 years of age. The right middle lung lobe was affected in 12 cases (71%) and multiple lobes were affected in 7 cases (41%). Congenital lobar emphysema was suspected in 14 cases (82%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lung lobe hyperinflation, atelectasis of nonaffected lung lobes, mediastinal shift, and thoracic wall and diaphragmatic wall deformation were common findings. Lobar or multilobar emphysema should be considered in patients with dyspnea or coughing, particularly younger patients. Although radiography is useful, CT provides better detail. In older patients, acquired causes of bronchial compression should be considered.

Clinical, CT, and ultrasonographic features of canine and feline pleural and peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis.

Carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis describe the widespread dissemination of metastatic neoplastic cells throughout the body. Studies describing their clinical and imaging features in veterinary patients are limited. The objective of this retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study is to describe the clinical, ultrasonographic, and CT features of pleural and peritoneal carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis in dogs and cats to aid detection and differentiation of these lesions. Medical records and CT and ultrasonographic images were reviewed. Although a large degree of overlap was observed between the imaging features and clinical signs of canine and feline carcinomatosis and sarcomatosis, some distinguishing features were observed. Dogs were significantly more likely to present with abdominal pain compared to cats (P = .022), whereas cats more commonly presented with inappetence (P = .019). Dogs with sarcomatosis had a significantly heavier bodyweight than dogs with carcinomatosis (P = .005), largely due to a higher prevalence of splenic hemangiosarcoma in this patient cohort. Peritoneal effusion was more frequently observed in dogs with carcinomatosis compared to dogs with sarcomatosis (P = .021). Imaging and clinical features observed in this study may help to distinguish sarcomatosis and carcinomatosis lesions. Due to the large degree of overlap observed, cytological or histopathological analysis is recommended for definitive diagnosis.

Clinical, computed tomographic and histopathological findings in two cats with pulmonary fibrosis of unknown aetiology.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two cats were presented for further investigation of respiratory signs. One cat had a history of a cough and the other, tachypnoea. In each case, thoracic CT was performed, which revealed a generalised marked reticular pattern in the first cat and focal consolidation of the right caudal lung lobe in the second cat. The first cat was euthanased following completion of the imaging study and a post-mortem examination was performed. The second cat underwent surgical excision of the abnormal lung lobe and survived for 4 years after diagnosis. Histopathology performed on lung tissue removed from each cat was consistent with pulmonary fibrosis. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This small case series adds to the existing literature and highlights the heterogeneous clinical course and variable appearance of pulmonary fibrosis on CT of affected cats. These cases provide evidence that pulmonary fibrosis in cats incorporates a wide spectrum of fibrotic lung disease and demonstrates the possibility for prolonged survival following diagnosis where disease is localised and amenable to surgical resection.

Safety of percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of adrenal lesions in dogs: Perception of the procedure by radiologists and presentation of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of adrenal gland lesions is controversial in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and radiologists' perception of the risk of the procedure as well as determining the incidence of complications. METHODS: Retrospective study. A first survey was submitted by e-mail to all board-certified radiologists of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI). A second survey was sent to radiologists who declared having performed the procedure at least once in their career (observational cross-sectional case study). RESULTS: The first survey was sent to 977 diplomates and answered by 138. Of 138 diplomates, 40 currently performed the procedure and 98 did not; 44 of the 98 gave the hypertensive crisis risk in pheochromocytoma as a reason. To the second survey, 12 of 65 responded positively; 50 dogs with 58 lesions were recruited, including 23 pheochromocytomas. Complications were reported in 4 of 50 dogs; 3 hemorrhages (1 mild and 1 moderate) and 1 death from acute respiratory distress syndrome (possibly related to laryngeal paralysis). No hypertensive crisis was reported. There was no relationship between the method of FNA/type of needle used and occurrence of complications. Based on the recollection of these 65 radiologists, who performed approximately 200 FNA of adrenal lesions, a death rate of approximately 1% was estimated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Percutaneous US-guided FNA of adrenal lesions can be considered a minimally risky procedure, despite the negative perception by radiologists.

CT findings in five dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion.

Colonic torsion is a life-threatening condition that results in colonic ischemia, necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and eventual death. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective case series study was to describe the CT findings in dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion. Medical records were searched for dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion following abdominal CT. Five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Three had a history of chronic intermittent diarrhea prior to presentation. Two dogs presented with acute vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and one dog presented with acute vomiting and lethargy. Computed tomographic findings in all dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion include: "whirl sign," displacement and distension of the cecum and colon, focal narrowing of the colon, and distension of the mesenteric vasculature in all dogs (5/5); streaky peritoneal fat and peritoneal effusion (4/5), pneumatosis coli (2/5), small intestinal distension (2/5), portal vein thrombosis (1/5), and reduced colonic wall contrast enhancement (1/5). In all dogs (5/5), the torsion site was the descending colon and demonstrated an anticlockwise rotation. At surgery, three of the five dogs had a partial colonic torsion with hyperemia at the site of obstruction and two of the five dogs had a complete torsion with marked necrosis of the colonic wall. Displacement of the colon and cecum, segmental distension and focal narrowing of the colon, the presence of a "whirl sign" and distension of the mesenteric vasculature are CT findings highly suggestive of colonic torsion.

Prevalence and clinical significance of the medullary rim sign identified on ultrasound of feline kidneys.

OBJECTIVES: The medullary rim sign (MRS) is an ultrasonographic (US) feature identified in normal and diseased feline kidneys. The prevalence and potential clinical significance of the MRS in a referral hospital cat population was investigated. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. US images from 661 cats were reviewed. Cats with an MRS were identified and compared with equal number of time-matched control cats. Medical data and MRS features, including thickness, intensity and symmetry, were collected. Associations between independent variables and the MRS were examined with conditional and unconditional logistic regression, with initial univariable, and subsequent multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Of the 661 reviewed cats, 243 (36.8 per cent) showed a variation of the MRS. A thin MRS (133 cats) was not associated with azotaemic renal disease (P=0.87). A thick MRS (110 cats) was associated with azotaemic renal disease (P=0.001). There was an association between the presence of MRS and a final diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) (P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The MRS is a common finding in cats. In this cat population, a thick MRS was associated with azotaemic renal disease, while a thin MRS was not. In cases with a clinical suspicion of FIP, the MRS may be related to the underlying disease process and not be an incidental finding.

Accuracy of and interobserver agreement regarding thoracic computed tomography for the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To characterize CT findings in dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, estimate the accuracy of thoracic CT for the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis in dogs, and determine interobserver agreement for this method. DESIGN Retrospective case-control and cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 26 dogs with confirmed chronic bronchitis and 20 control dogs with unremarkable results of thoracic CT and no recorded history of cough. PROCEDURES Thoracic CT images of all dogs were interpreted for signs of chronic bronchitis by 2 observers who used specific criteria; observers also used the images to compute the bronchial wall thickness-to-pulmonary artery diameter (BWPA) ratio of the cranial lung lobes. Interobserver agreement was assessed for both diagnostic approaches. Performance of thoracic CT and the BWPA ratio specifically in the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis were evaluated, with the final diagnosis made by the attending internist as the reference standard. Associations between independent variables and the BWPA ratio for all dogs were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Accuracy of thoracic CT examination for the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis was 57%, sensitivity was 46%, and specificity was 90%. Interobserver agreement was moderate (κ = 0.50). The BWPA ratio had poor accuracy for discriminating dogs with chronic bronchitis from control dogs. Linear regression revealed that as dog body weight increased, BWPA ratios for the left and right cranial lung lobes decreased slightly but significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggested that thoracic CT and the associated BWPA ratio have limited value in the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis in dogs.