Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in identifying unilateral ovarian luteoma in a dog.

Background: Diagnosing ovarian tumors in dogs can be challenging since the clinical symptoms are often generic. The present case report underscores a rare case in which a suspected unilateral ovarian tumor in a dog was initially identified using ultrasonography and subsequently confirmed to be a luteoma through postoperative histopathology. Case Description: An 8-year and 6-month-old female Maltese dog presented with a 10-day history of vulvovaginal bleeding, hematuria, and decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed only vaginal bleeding, with no other abnormalities. Laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities, while abdominal radiography revealed the presence of cystic calculi as the sole abnormality. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged right ovary with regular contour and echogenicity, featuring unusual cystic components surrounding the right ovarian parenchyma. Furthermore, irregular thickening with multiple cystic lesions was observed in the endometrial wall of the bilateral uterine horns, indicative of cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Ultrasonographic findings suggested unilateral right ovarian disease. During ovariohysterectomy, the right ovary was slightly larger than the left ovary and adhered to the surrounding mesenteric fat layer and right pancreatic parenchyma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of luteoma in the right ovary. Three days after surgery, the patient's clinical signs exhibited complete improvement, with the return of normal appetite. Conclusion: This case report highlights a rare diagnosis of unilateral ovarian luteoma based on mild ultrasonographic abnormalities, which was ultimately confirmed on histopathological examination.

Fast field echo resembling CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) MR sequence can provide craniocervical region images comparable to a CT in dogs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for evaluating cerebellar compression in patients with craniocervical junction abnormalities (CJA). However, it is limited in depicting cortical bone because of its short T2 relaxation times, low proton density, and organized structure. Fast field echo resembling a computed tomography (CT) scan using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) MRI, is a new technique that offers CT-like bone contrast without radiation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using FRACTURE MRI for craniocervical junction (CCJ) assessment compared with CT and conventional MRI, potentially reducing the need for multiple scans and radiation exposure, and simplifying procedures in veterinary medicine. CT and MRI of the CCJ were obtained from five healthy beagles. MRI was performed using three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density-weighted (PDW), single echo-FRACTURE (sFRACTURE), and multiple echo-FRACTURE (mFRACTURE) sequences. For qualitative assessment, cortical delineation, trabecular bone visibility, joint space visibility, vertebral canal definition, overall quality, and artifacts were evaluated for each sequence. The geometrical accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantified. Both sFRACTURE and CT images provided significantly higher scores for cortical delineation and trabecular bone visibility than conventional MRI. Joint space visibility and vertebral canal definition were similar to those observed on CT images, regardless of the MR sequence. In the quantitative assessment, the distances measured on T2-weighted images differed significantly from those measured on CT. There were no significant differences between the distances taken using T1-weighted, PD-weighted, sFRACTURE, mFRACTURE and those taken using CT. T1-weighted and sFRACTURE had a higher SNR for trabecular bone than CT. The CNR between the cortical bone and muscle was high on CT and FRACTURE images. However, the CNR between the cortical and trabecular bones was low in mFRACTURE. Similar to CT, FRACTURE sequences showed higher cortical delineation and trabecular bone visibility than T2-weighted, T1-weighted, and PDW CCJ sequences. In particular, sFRACTURE provided a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the trabecular bone and a high CNR between the cortical bone and muscle and between the cortical and trabecular bones. FRACTURE sequences can complement conventional MR sequences for bone assessment of the CCJ in dogs.

Comparison of computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion-weighted imaging in canine brain.

Brain perfusion allows for the evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics, particularly in brain infarcts and tumors. Computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) provides reliable data; however, it has a limited scan field of view and radiation exposure. Magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion provides detailed imaging of small structures and a wide scan field of view. However, no study has compared CTP and MR perfusion and assessed the correlation between the perfusion parameters measured using CTP and MR perfusion. The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation and agreement of the cerebral perfusion derived from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-MRI and CTP in dogs. In this crossover design study, the cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time, and time to peak were measured in the temporal cerebral cortex, caudate nucleus, thalamus, piriform lobe, and hippocampus using CTP and DSC-MRI in six healthy beagle dogs and a dog with a pituitary tumor. On the color map of healthy beagles, blood vessels and the perivascular brain parenchyma appeared as red-green, indicating high perfusion, and the areas distant from the vessels appeared as green-blue, indicating low perfusion levels in CTP and DSC-MRI. CTP parameters were highest in the piriform lobe (CBF = 121.11 ± 12.78 mL/100 g/min and CBV = 8.70 ± 2.04 mL/100 g) and lowest in the thalamus (CBF = 63.75 ± 25.24 mL/100 g/min and CBV = 4.02 ± 0.55 mL/100 g). DSC-MRI parameters were also highest in the piriform lobe (CBF = 102.31 ± 14.73 mL/100 g/min and CBV = 3.17 ± 1.23 mL/100 g) and lowest in the thalamus (CBF = 37.73 ± 25.11 mL/100 g/min and CBV = 0.81 ± 0.44 mL/100 g) although there was no statistical correlation in the quantitative perfusion parameters between CTP and DSC-MRI. In a dog with a pituitary tumor, the color map of the tumor appeared as a red scale, indicating high perfusion and higher CBF and CBV on CTP (149 mL/100 g and 20 mL/100 g/min) and on DSC-MRI (116.3 mL/100 g and 15.32 mL/100 g/min) compared to those measured in healthy dogs. These findings indicate that DSC-MRI and CTP maps exhibit comparability and interchangeability in the assessment of canine brain perfusion.

Fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) sequence for shoulder joint in normal dogs.

Shoulder disease is a common cause of forelimb lameness in dogs. Determining the precise underlying cause of shoulder lameness can be challenging, especially in veterinary practice. Computerized tomography (CT) is often the preferred imaging modality for bone evaluation; however, it uses ionizing radiation and provides limited soft tissue contrast. Conversely, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers excellent soft tissue contrast but has limitations in bone imaging. This study aimed to introduce a new technical innovation that enhances cortical and trabecular bone contrast on MRI, which we refer to as Fast Field Echo Resembling a CT Using Restricted Echo-Spacing (FRACTURE). In this prospective pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the use of FRACTURE, CT, and conventional MRI sequences in assessing the normal canine shoulder using a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner. Five research beagle dogs were included, and the following pulse sequences were acquired for each dog (1): three-dimensional (3D) FRACTURE, (2) T2-weighted (T2W) images using 3D turbo spin echo (TSE), (3) T1-weighted (T1W) images using 3D TSE, (4) PD-weighted (PDW) images using 3D TSE, and (5) CT. Various parameters, including the delineation of cortical bone (intertubercular groove, greater tubercle, and lesser tubercle), conspicuity of the trabecular bone, shoulder joint visualization, and image quality, were measured for each dog and sequence. In all sequences, the shoulder joint was successfully visualized in all planes with mild motion artifacts. The intertubercular groove was best visualized on CT and FRACTURE. Both the greater and lesser tubercles were easily identified on the CT, FRACTURE, and PDW images. The trabecular pattern scored significantly higher in the CT and FRACTURE images compared to the T1W, T2W, and PDW images. Overall, the visualization of the shoulder joint was excellent in all sequences except for T1W. The use of FRACTURE in combination with conventional MRI sequences holds promise for facilitating not only soft tissue evaluation but also cortical and trabecular bone assessment. The findings from this study in normal dogs can serve as a foundation for further FRACTURE studies in dogs with shoulder diseases.

Development and feasibility of new cardiac measurement method using vertebral heart area ratio in dogs.

The vertebral heart scale (VHS) is the most common method used for the objective evaluation of heart size, however, VHS cannot evaluate the entire heart area. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the development and feasibility of vertebral heart area ratio (VHAR=heart area/the fourth thoracic vertebra [T4] body area) as a new cardiac measurement method. A total of 125 dogs considered without clinical heart abnormalities in the pre-anesthetic examination, measurements of the VHS and VHAR using thoracic radiography were compared with computed tomography measurements of the vertebral cardiac volume ratio (VCVR=cardiac volume/T4 body volume) and investigate whether the VHAR values differed between observers. The mean cardiac and T4 body volumes were 116.99 ± 108.07 cm3 and 0.92 ± 0.91 cm3, respectively. The mean values of observers 1 and 2 were 9.9 ± 0.7 v (VHS), 42.64 ± 27.94 cm2 (heart area), and 1.37 ± 0.96 cm2 (T4 body area). Intraclass coefficients were the highest for the heart area, followed by the T4 body area and VHS. The VHAR showed a moderate correlation with VHS in observers 1 (r=0.671) and 2 (r=0.633). The VCVR showed a more positive correlation with VHAR (r=0.573) than with VHS (r=0.426). These results indicated that VHAR could be used as a complement to VHS for heart size measurement, and the high degree of observer agreement for the measurements indicated the measurement reproducibility of VHAR.

Postoperative Computed Tomographic Assessment of the Complete Resection of an Infiltrative Lipoma Compressing the Spinal Cord in a Dog.

Infiltrative lipomas, which are locally invasive tumors composed of well-differentiated adipocytes, are histologically identical to lipomas but have a tendency to infiltrate adjacent muscle and fibrous tissue without metastasis, such as muscle; connective tissue; bone; and, in rare cases, peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. They differ from liposarcomas yet also exhibit neoplastic cell infiltration and often recur despite surgical removal. A 10-year-old spayed Maltese female dog presented with hindlimb paresis and back pain for two months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extensive fatty mass impinging on the vertebral canal, compressing the spinal cord, and extending into the surrounding muscle layers and thoracic cavity. The mass was surgically removed, and subsequent postoperative computed tomography confirmed complete removal of the mass using Vitrea® advanced visualization fat measurement. Histopathological analysis confirmed that the mass was an infiltrative lipoma. The patient's symptoms completely resolved after surgery, with no recurrence reported at the 2-year follow-up. This case highlights the benefits of using postoperative computed tomography combined with the automated fat measurement technique to determine whether reoperation is necessary or to predict patient prognosis by identifying potential residual lipoma post-surgery.

VERTEBRAL HEART SCALE SYSTEM IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY SIBERIAN WEASEL (MUSTELA SIBIRICA).

In several species, the vertebral heart scale (VHS) measurement is frequently used to provide a more objective evaluation of cardiomegaly. However, normal-sized parameters for radiographic measures of the cardiac silhouette in Siberian weasels (Mustela sibirica) have not been determined. Right lateral (n = 24) and ventrodorsal (n = 20) thoracic radiographs from free-ranging Siberian weasels with clinically normal cardiac and pulmonary function were acquired and evaluated to determine the specific VHS for the Siberian weasel. The mean (SD) VHS of the right lateral (RL) and the ventrodorsal (VD) views were 6.70 (0.60) and 6.95 (0.69), respectively. VD view radiographs had a considerably higher VHS than RL view radiographs, and RL view measures were less variable than VD view values. The VHS of Siberian weasels was unaffected by age, body weight, or sex. The results determined in this study can be used in clinical diagnostic and radiographic evaluations of Siberian weasels.

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following orbital blowout pathological fracture in a cat with nasal lymphoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rare complications associated with orbital blowout pathological fracture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year old, castrated male Abbysinian cat presented with anorexia, lethargy, nausea, eyelid swelling, nasal discharge, and sneezing. Based on the clinical and diagnostic work-up, the cat was diagnosed with T cell high-grade nasal lymphoma associated with orbital pathological fracture due to the tumour invasion. After chemotherapy, the cat showed massive subcutaneous emphysema from frontal region to abdomen and pneumomediastinum due to orbital blowout pathological fracture. As the nasal mass decreased in volume; the air had moved from the maxillary sinus to the subcutaneous region and the mediastinum through fascial planes in the head and neck region. CONCLUSIONS: This is a first case report of a massive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum due to an orbital blowout pathological fracture following chemotherapy in feline nasal lymphoma in veterinary medicine.

Single-slab 3D double inversion recovery for magnetic resonance brain imaging in clinically healthy dogs.

Introduction: In veterinary medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely utilized for brain imaging. But the complex structures of brain tissues can give rise to artifacts such as partial volume averaging in conventional sequences. To address this issue, several studies about double inversion recovery (DIR) sequences have been conducted in human medicine. However, published clinical studies about brain MRI using DIR sequences in dogs are currently lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance features of single-slab 3D DIR sequences in the normal canine brain. Methods: Five healthy Beagle dogs were examined and the following pulse sequences were acquired for each: (1) spin-echo T2-weighted (T2W), (2) fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), (3) gray matter (GM) selective, and (4) white matter (WM) selective single-slab 3D DIR sequence. For qualitative analysis, the distinction between gray and white matter of the cerebral cortex, presence and severity of the image artifacts were assessed for each pulse sequence. In addition, reconstructed images of single-slab 3D DIR sequences were qualitatively evaluated. For quantitative analysis, contrast ratios (CRs), signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the GM, WM and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured for each pulse sequence. Results and Discussion: GM selective 3D DIR was superior to T2W and FLAIR in delineating the boundaries between GM and WM in the overall brain area. Whereas WM selective 3D DIR provided better gray-white matter distinction of the cerebral cortex than T2W and FLAIR at the level of the medulla oblongata, where T2W and FLAIR images exhibited severe partial volume averaging artifacts. In general, the 3D DIR images demonstrated fewer artifacts compared to other sequences, and the reconstructed sagittal and dorsal images of these sequences maintained same spatial resolution as the original transverse images without any image degradation. Both gray and white matter selective 3D DIR sequences effectively suppressed unwanted signals, thereby providing high contrast between gray and white matter. Findings from this study could serve as a foundation for further studies on DIR sequences for the evaluation of brain diseases in dogs.

Shoulder magnetic resonance arthrography in dogs: Comparison of craniolateral and caudolateral approach for ultrasound-guided contrast injection.

Shoulder joint disease is a common cause of forelimb lameness in dogs. To diagnose this condition, shoulder magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) is performed, which involves the injection of contrast agents into the shoulder joint space under ultrasound (US)-guidance. The objective of this study was to compare the craniolateral and caudolateral approaches for shoulder MRA using US-guided injection techniques, and investigate their clinical feasibility in dogs. Forty shoulder joints from 10 adult beagles were studied in two repetitions. The craniolateral (n = 20) and caudolateral (n = 20) injection techniques were applied randomly under US-guidance. The shoulder MRA was conducted immediately after the contrast agents was injected. The procedure time (scan and injection time), number of attempts, joint distension and degree of extraarticular extravasation were recorded and compared between the two groups. The results showed that the caudolateral approach had significantly more contrast agents extravasation compared to the craniolateral approach (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of procedure time (scan time p = 0.80, injection time p = 0.74), number of attempts (p = 0.70) and joint distension (p = 0.23). The craniolateral approach of US-guided contrast injection techniques for shoulder MRA minimizes damage to the juxta-articular structures and reduces extraarticular extravasation, resulting in good-quality images. This study demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of the craniolateral approach under US-guidance for shoulder MRA in dogs.

Graphical user interface design to improve understanding of the patient-reported outcome symptom response.

BACKGROUND: Symptom monitoring application (SMA) has clinical benefits to cancer patients but patients experience difficulties in using it. Few studies have identified which types of graphical user interface (GUI) are preferred by cancer patients for using the SMA. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study aimed to identify preferred GUI among cancer patients to use SMA. Total of 199 patients were asked to evaluate 8 types of GUIs combining text, icon, illustration, and colors using mixed-methods. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and gender. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 and 42.5% was male. The most preferred GUI was "Text + Icon + Color" (mean = 4.43), followed by "Text + Icon" (mean = 4.39). Older patients (≥ 60 years) preferred "Text + Icon" than younger patients (p for interaction < 0.01). Simple and intuitive text and icons were the most useful GUI for cancer patients to use the SMA. CONCLUSION: Simple and intuitive text and icons were the most useful GUI for cancer patients to use the SMA. Researchers need to be careful when applying realistic face drawings to cancer symptom monitoring applications because they can recall negative images of cancer.

Clinical utility of a new protocol of cardiac computed tomography in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The characteristics of non-electrocardiography- and electrocardiography-gated multidetector computed tomography have not been extensively studied in veterinary clinics but it can be useful for cardiac imaging. This study aimed to ascertain the differences between non-electrocardiography and electrocardiography gating methods and to establish their clinical utility based on patient history. METHODS: Six client-owned dogs (two with patent ductus arteriosus, two with heart base tumour, one with pericardial mesothelioma, and one with normal health) were included in this study. All the dogs were examined using a non-electrocardiography-gated scan, followed by a retrospective electrocardiography-gated scan. Images were reviewed to determine the optimal scan timing and R-R interval in non-electrocardiography- and electrocardiography-gated images, respectively, for detailed coronary artery imaging, diagnostic quality of the best coronary artery visualisation in non-electrocardiography- and electrocardiography-gated images through visual assessment of the main coronary artery branches, and branching patterns of the left coronary artery. Further, we compared the size and margin demarcation of the heart or pericardial lesions in non-electrocardiography- and electrocardiography-gated images obtained from patients with heart or pericardial tumours. RESULTS: The optimal scan timing and R-R interval were the second-scan timing and end-diastole (70%-90%), respectively. Second-scan non-electrocardiography-gated images allowed coronary artery evaluation, indicating high-grade quality in visual assessment, except for the septal branch. Electrocardiography-gated images, but not non-ECG-gated images, clearly revealed pericardial nodules in two dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest the respective clinical utilities of non-electrocardiography- or electrocardiography-gated imaging using high-slice cardiac computed tomography based on patient history.

Evaluation of the pulmonary vein ostia during the cardiac cycle using electrocardiography-gated cardiac computed tomography in cats.

Several studies in humans have provided detailed descriptions of the anatomy of the pulmonary veins (PVs) and their ostia for the implementation of thoracic interventions, such as radiofrequency ablation, for patients with atrial fibrillation. These studies have shown that electrocardiography (ECG)-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can evaluate the dimensional variations in the PVs or ostium according to the cardiac cycle. However, few studies have examined the PVs or ostia using MDCT in veterinary medicine. Therefore, this study investigated the variation in the diameter of the PV ostium in cats during the cardiac cycle using ECG-gated MDCT and determined the correlation between the size of the heart or left atrium (LA) and diameter of the PV ostium. This study included six cats, including five normal animals and one cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The PVs were found to drain into the LA via three ostia, i.e., the right cranial ostium, left cranial ostium, and caudodorsal ostium. Moreover, a diametric variation was observed in all PV ostia according to the cardiac cycle phase on ECG-gated MDCT: the maximal diameter was observed at the end of ventricular systole, and the minimal diameter was observed at the end of ventricular diastole for each PV ostium. There were no significant correlations between the heart or LA size and maximal or minimal diameter of each of the three PV ostia (p > 0.05); however, the enlargement of each PV ostium at the end of ventricular systole differed significantly from that at the end of ventricular diastole. This study suggested the clinical feasibility of ECG-gated MDCT in providing more detailed anatomical information about the PVs, including the dimensional changes during the cardiac cycle in cats. Based on this study, knowledge of the variations in the PV ostium offers interesting avenues for research into the effect of PV function. Furthermore, ECG-gated MDCT could allow for greater clinical application of interventional procedures in animals with various cardiac diseases.

Presumptive nontraumatic adrenal hemorrhage preceding hypoadrenocorticism in a dog.

Nontraumatic adrenal hemorrhage (NTAH) has been associated with stress-induced catecholamines release in underlying conditions such as sepsis and recent surgery in humans. It can lead to primary hypoadrenocorticism (HOAC) when both adrenal glands are involved, with nonspecific clinical signs and laboratory findings that can lead to a missed diagnosis. Bilateral thickening of the adrenal glands with periadrenal fat stranding was identified in a 10-year-old male Maltese dog after abdominal surgery. The dog showed clinical signs and biochemical changes consistent with HOAC, but treatment for presumed critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency was initiated. Clinical signs relapsed with a 3-week dose reduction of hydrocortisone, and a reduction in adrenal size was observed on follow-up ultrasound examination. Hormonal testing confirmed HOAC in the dog. To the best of our knowledge, HOAC caused by spontaneous NTAH has not been reported in the veterinary literature. This report describes a dog that developed HOAC with presumed adrenal atrophy after suspected spontaneous bilateral NTAH.

Non-electrocardiography- and electrocardiography-gated computed tomography angiography for the evaluation of feline coronary arteries.

Objectives: Few studies have directly compared the clinical feasibility of electrocardiography-gated and non-electrocardiography-gated multidetector computed tomography for evaluating coronary arteries in veterinary medicine. We aimed to characterize and visualize feline coronary arteries using these two imaging modalities. We hypothesed that ECG-gated MDCT is superior to or advantageous to the non-ECG gated. Methods: This prospective, controlled, comparative pilot study examined six client-owned cats (five clinically normal and one with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) using non-electrocardiography-gated and retrospective electrocardiography-gated scans. Optimal non-electrocardiography scan timing or electrocardiography-gated R-R reconstruction interval for coronary artery visualization was determined. The degree of opacification and sharpness of proximal coronary branches was subjectively graded; coronary dominance, left coronary artery branching types, and the diameter and length of coronary artery branches were also assessed. Results: Non-electrocardiography-gated images provided the least information on the bilateral coronary artery ostium and proximal segments, while electrocardiography-gated images clarified the detailed course of the main coronary branches at diastole in all cats. The degree of opacification and sharpness of the coronary arteries was subjectively evaluated as good/excellent in all cats. Coronary dominance (left: four; right: two) and left coronary artery branching types (three different patterns, two additional tortuous branches) varied. Body weight and sex were not significantly associated with coronary artery length or diameter. Vertebral heart score positively correlated with the right coronary artery and negatively correlated with the left main coronary artery. Clinical significance: Electrocardiography-gated multidetector computed tomography provides images with adequate resolution to identify the anatomy of feline coronary arteries. Detailed morphological knowledge of feline coronary vessels will enable novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods in veterinary medicine.

Measurement of tracheal diameters using ultrasonography versus computed tomography in Beagle dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasonography with computed tomography (CT) for assessment of tracheal diameter as a feasibility study for endotracheal tube selection. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of nine Beagle dogs with a median (interquartile range) weight of 7.4 (7.2-7.7) kg. METHODS: Tracheal diameter measurements were obtained at two locations: 1 cm proximal to caudal border of the cricoid cartilage (sublaryngeal; SL) and dorsal to above cranial border of the manubrium (thoracic inlet; TI). For CT, dogs were anesthetized with propofol and sevoflurane, in sternal recumbency, and measurements obtained after controlled ventilation-induced apnea and the endotracheal tube cuff was deflated. Transverse diameter, right and left 45° oblique diameters were measured. For ultrasonography, unsedated dogs were standing with slight neck extension, and images obtained in ventrodorsal, 45° right and left oblique ways after expiration. Diameters between the tracheal lumen mucosal borders were measured. The degree of agreement between the tracheal diameters measured at SL and TI locations with CT (TDCT-SL and TDCT-TI) and ultrasonography (TDUS-SL and TDUS-TI) was verified using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The agreement between the measurements obtained with CT and ultrasonography was revealed by Bland-Altman analyses, although ultrasonography tended to slightly underestimate the tracheal diameter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography can be applied for tracheal diameter measurement. Although further studies are required, an endotracheal tube selection method, using ultrasonography, could be proposed.

Respiratory phase can affect pulmonary vein-to-pulmonary artery ratio measured with CT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pulmonary vein (PV)-to-pulmonary artery (PA) ratios obtained in healthy dogs by means of various CT protocols, accounting for the effects of the respiratory phase and contrast agent used. ANIMALS: 10 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURES: Before and after contrast medium (600 mg iodine/kg) was injected IV, thoracic CT was performed with a positive-pressure breath-hold (inspiratory phase) and at the end of expiration (expiratory phase). After CT scanning, echocardiography was performed, and an optimized right parasternal long-axis view was obtained for measurement of PV and PA diameters. The PV and PA diameters were measured subsequently for each CT protocol. RESULTS: Mean ± SD PV:PA values obtained from pre- and postcontrast inspiratory CT were 1.058 ± 0.072 and 1.020 ± 0.053, respectively, which were comparable to the echocardiographic value (P > .05). Mean PV:PA values obtained with pre- and postcontrast expiratory CT were 1.259 ± 0.094 and 1.239 ± 0.066, respectively, which were significantly (P = .005) greater than inspiratory CT measurements. There was a significant (r > 0.5, P < .05) linear relationship between PV:PA values obtained with pre- and postcontrast inspiratory CT and echocardiography. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PV:PA could be measured with thoracic CT in a manner similar to that for echocardiography. However, PV:PA values measured with expiratory CT were different from previously reported values. Therefore, the respiratory phase should be considered when evaluating pulmonary vascular size through CT, and measurements with the inspiratory CT protocol would be more accurate.

Quad-dimensional acculturation, cultural integration, and life satisfaction of South Sudanese refugee young adults in the United States: A quasilongitudinal qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe acculturation among South Sudanese refugees (SSRes) as young adults in the U.S. based on a tridimensional (3D) acculturation framework. METHOD: Aligning with a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the present study was designed to investigate in-depth individual experiences of SSRes in two phases, conducting 19 interviews in 2007 and 11 interviews in 2014-2015. The data analysis employed a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS: A grounded theory emerged indicating that, over time, SSRes experienced quad-dimensional acculturation that included South Sudanese, mainstream American, African American, and African cultures and orientations. Although bidimensional acculturation was prominent in Phase 1, quad-dimensional acculturation emerged and was salient in Phase 2. Furthermore, participants who demonstrated an integrated perspective toward their acculturation tended to report higher life satisfaction scores than those who expressed conflicted perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have theoretical and practical implications for African refugees' adjustment and psychological well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Diagnostic imaging features of hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a cat.

A 1-year-old male Persian cat was presented for castration. Liver incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) was diagnosed through pre-anesthetic tests. Multiple homogeneous hyperechoic nodules in the hepatic parenchyma were identified using ultrasound. The nodules showed decreased attenuation compared with normal hepatic parenchyma, and the herniated hepatic parenchyma showed increased arterial and decreased portal enhancement on computed tomography. From the histopathology, we diagnosed hydropic degeneration with portal fibrosis and myelolipoma. This report presents diagnostic imaging features of hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a PPDH in a cat. When perfusion of the hepatic parenchyma is altered, surgical treatment should be considered.