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Jones N, Humm K, Dirrig H, Espinoza MBG, Yankin I, Birkbeck R, Cole L. Clinical features and outcome of dogs and cats with gastrointestinal pneumatosis: 30 cases (2010-2021). J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2024. [PMID: 39185778 DOI: 10.1111/vec.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the presentation, etiology, and outcome of dogs and cats diagnosed with gastrointestinal pneumatosis (GP). DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Three referral institutions. ANIMALS Twenty-six dogs and 4 cats. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The most common sites of GP were the stomach (n = 19), followed by the colon (n = 8) and small intestine (n = 2). One case had pneumatosis of both the stomach and the colon. GP was most commonly associated with gastrointestinal disease in dogs (18/26 [69%]) and cats (3/4 [75%]), with common diagnoses including gastric dilatation and volvulus (n = 5), acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (n = 4), and gastrointestinal ulceration (n = 4). Of the 4 cases of gastrointestinal ulceration, 3 were dogs with a history of glucocorticosteroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration and vomiting and diarrhea. Six of 30 cases (20%), all of which were dogs, were determined to have a surgical indication for exploratory celiotomy, although not solely on the basis of diagnosis of GP. Five cases underwent exploratory celiotomy, of which 1 (20%) survived to hospital discharge. Of the medically managed cases, 13 of 24 (54%) survived to hospital discharge. Overall, 14 of 30 cases (47%) survived to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS GP is an uncommon diagnostic imaging finding that is associated with a variety of disease processes. Its development is often related to primary gastrointestinal diseases. In the absence of other surgical disease, exploratory celiotomy based solely on the diagnosis of GP is unlikely to be indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Jones
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Karen Humm
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Helen Dirrig
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Melissa Beth Glenn Espinoza
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Igor Yankin
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Laura Cole
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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Palko C, Durkan S. Medical management of feline emphysematous hepatitis-A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7352. [PMID: 37229397 PMCID: PMC10203037 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Case report summary: A 9-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair feline was presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of constipation of 3-day duration, decreased urination of 1-day duration, vomiting, and hind limb weakness. Physical examination abnormalities included hypothermia, dehydration, and generalized paresis with inability to stand for a prolonged period of time. Abdominal ultrasonography showed pinpoint hyperechoic foci throughout the hepatic parenchyma, small gas foci circulating within the portal vasculature consistent with emphysematous hepatitis, and mild volume of ascites. Cytology of the ascites was consistent with inflammatory effusion. Hepatic cytology was consistent with mixed inflammation/hepatitis with no apparent cause for inflammation noted. Urine culture yielded a negative result. Surgical liver biopsy and culture were declined by the patient's family. Ultrasound changes were presumed to be most likely secondary to an ascending infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Palko
- Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Samuel Durkan
- Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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KOJIMA K, CHAMBERS JK, ISHII A, SEGAWA K, UCHIDA K. Pathological features of hepatic portal venous gas in a cat. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 84:213-217. [PMID: 34955462 PMCID: PMC8920730 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An 8-year 8-month-old castrated male Munchkin presented with vomiting, anorexia and
hypoactivity. Computed tomography revealed excessive gas accumulation within the
intestinal lumen and gas bubbles in the liver, spleen, and portal venous system,
indicating hepatic portal venous gas. The cat died without any significant improvement,
and mild splenomegaly was found at necropsy. Histologically, multiple gas vacuoles were
diffusely observed in the liver and spleen. In the stomach, multiple gas vacuoles and
scattered focal ulcers were detected within the mucosa. Multifocal hemorrhage was noted in
the small and large intestines, whereas gas vacuoles were not present. Based on these
findings, a gastric ulcer under high gas pressure may have provided an entry point for gas
into the portal venous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro KOJIMA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - James K. CHAMBERS
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | | | | | - Kazuyuki UCHIDA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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Battiato P, Fernandez Y, Salgüero R, Novellas R, Espada Y, Biller D, Anselmi C. Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis: Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in three Golden Retriever dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2020; 62:309-315. [PMID: 33325583 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis is a life-threatening condition reported rarely in humans; however, published reports in dogs are currently lacking. The aim of this multicentric, retrospective, case series design study was to describe radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging findings in Golden Retriever dogs diagnosed with spontaneous emphysematous splenitis. A total of three dogs were sampled. All dogs had a history of lethargy, diarrhea, and weight loss. Radiographic findings in all dogs included a mass effect with focal or multifocal coalescing "vesicular-like" gas pattern in the splenic region and focal loss of serosal detail. Ultrasonographic findings in all dogs included focal or multifocal irregularly shaped, hypoechoic areas containing a mixture of hyperechoic fluid and gas within the splenic parenchyma, hyperechoic abdominal free fluid, and generalized hyperechoic mesenteric fat without evidence of splenic torsion. Pneumoperitoneum was detected ultrasonographically and radiographically in two dogs. All three dogs underwent splenectomy and splenic torsion was definitively ruled out at surgery. One dog died three days after surgery, whereas the other two dogs recovered uneventfully. Culture of the splenic tissue and free abdominal fluid was positive for Clostridium spp. in all three cases. Findings supported inclusion of spontaneous emphysematous splenitis and septic peritonitis as differential diagnoses for dogs with this combination of clinical and imaging characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosa Novellas
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, and Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yvonne Espada
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, and Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Biller
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Kansas, Manhattan
| | - Carlo Anselmi
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby, UK
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Cordella A, Bertolini G. Multiphase multidetector-row CT reveals different patterns of hepatic portal venous gas and pneumobilia. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2020; 62:68-75. [PMID: 33245597 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic portal venous gas and pneumobilia (PB) are uncommon findings, indicating the accumulation of gas in the portal vein and its branches and in the biliary tree, respectively. Aims of this retrospective, descriptive study were to describe the computed tomographic (CT) features and visualization techniques of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and PB in a group of small animal veterinary patients. The CT data of patients with HPVG and PB were retrospectively reviewed. Thin-section multiplanar reformatting and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) views were used to assess the acquired volume dataset. The CT features recorded were as follows: amount, aspect, distribution, and localization of the gas in the liver. Five patients were included (four dogs and one cat), two presenting HPVG and three with PB. Gas in HPVG presented a peripheral location, whereas in PB was characterized by a central location. The aspect of the gas was tubular in case of HPVG and mixed tubular and rounded in PB. An analogous number of animals between the two groups showed comparable amount (mild, moderate, and severe) and distribution (diffuse and focal). Thin-section CT can detect the presence of gas in the liver, and a combination of two-dimensional and thin-slab MinIP can differentiate between HPVG and PB in dogs and cats. The distinctive features are peripheral versus central location and tubular versus rounded aspect of the gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cordella
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Division, San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bertolini
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Division, San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Padua, Italy
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Spiller KT, Eisenberg BW. Extensive hepatic portal venous gas and gastric pneumatosis in a cat. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:593-599. [PMID: 33222419 PMCID: PMC8025634 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A 15-year-old female neutered Domestic Long Hair cat was presented for acute hematemesis. Initial diagnostic workup, including serum biochemistry panel, complete blood count and coagulation profile, was unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound showed gastric mural thickening and non-obstructive gastric foreign material. Endoscopy was performed to remove the foreign matter and obtain biopsies. Significant abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract were not noted endoscopically. Overnight, the patient required a packed red blood cell transfusion following two episodes of severe hematemesis, hypotension and collapse. Serial radiographs and ultrasound revealed hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG). Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed massive gas accumulation within the liver and emphysematous gastritis. The patient became increasingly unstable and, given her rapid decline, humane euthanasia was elected. Gastric and duodenal histopathology showed inflammatory changes, spirochetosis and mucosal epithelial degeneration. HPVG is a rarely described finding and prognosis varies drastically depending on aetiology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of portal vein gas documented on multiple imaging modalities, including CT, in a cat. The patient in this report had several potential risk factors including prior endoscopy, compromise of the intestinal barrier and evidence of gastric mural bacterial invasion.
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Griffin S. Feline abdominal ultrasonography: What's normal? What's abnormal? The diseased gastrointestinal tract. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:1047-1060. [PMID: 31648606 PMCID: PMC10814209 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19880434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Abdominal ultrasound plays a vital role in the diagnostic work-up of many cats presenting to general and specialist practitioners. B-mode ultrasonography is likely the most widely used modality for imaging the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in cats and it can help in the diagnosis of GI masses, foreign bodies and disorders of the ileocaecocolic junction. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Despite ultrasonography being a commonly used modality, many practitioners are not comfortable performing an ultrasound examination or interpreting the resulting images. Even differentiating between normal variations and pathological changes can be challenging for all but the most experienced. For example, while for inflammatory conditions of the feline GI tract changes are frequently identified on ultrasound, there may occasionally be no changes to the appearance of the intestine; hence a 'normal' ultrasound does not exclude the possibility of inflammatory disease. AIM This review, part of an occasional series on feline abdominal ultrasonography, describes the appearance of a range of conditions that affect the feline GI tract; the normal GI tract is addressed in an accompanying article in this issue of JFMS. Aimed at general practitioners who wish to improve their knowledge and confidence in feline abdominal ultrasound, this review is accompanied by high-resolution images and videos available online as supplementary material. EQUIPMENT Ultrasound facilities are readily available to most practitioners, although use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool is highly dependent on operator experience. EVIDENCE BASE Information provided in this article is drawn from the published literature and the author's own clinical experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Griffin
- Radiology Department, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 4NH, UK
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Manfredi S, Fabbi M, Bonazzi M, Leonardi F, Miduri F, Parroccini I, Daga E, Gnudi G, Volta A. Ultrasonographic differentiation between portal venous and parenchymal gas may be important for the prognosis of canine and feline hepatic emphysema: 37 cases. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2019; 60:734-744. [PMID: 31418983 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional, study was to evaluate clinical findings and outcomes for different ultrasonographic patterns of hepatic emphysema in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of hepatic emphysema and a known outcome, from January 2010 to January 2018, were enrolled. The following data were recorded from medical and ultrasonographic records: ultrasonographic patterns of hepatic emphysema (parenchymal, portal venous, biliary), clinical signs, laboratory findings, and outcomes (favorable, poor). A total of 33 dogs and four cats met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 23 cases were classified as hepatic portal venous gas, 10 as parenchymal emphysema, and four as biliary emphysema. Clinical diagnosis categories were as follows: infection/sepsis (9), gastro-intestinal disease (9), iatrogenic (9), trauma (5), and liver neoplasia (5). An increase in serum liver enzymes was significantly associated with parenchymal emphysema (P = .03). Other clinical and laboratory findings were not associated with the type of hepatic emphysema. Hepatic portal venous gas was mostly transient in patients with ultrasonographic follow-up. The overall mortality was 40.5%. A significant difference was found between mortality by portal venous gas (21.7%) and mortality by parenchymal emphysema (90%) (P = .003). In conclusion, the ultrasonographic differentiation of hepatic emphysema between hepatic portal venous gas and parenchymal emphysema may be important for the prognosis of hepatic emphysema. The presence of parenchymal emphysema may be a poor prognostic indicator, while hepatic portal venous gas may be more benign. However, ultrasound findings should be carefully evaluated in the context of clinical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Fabbi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mattia Bonazzi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Casa di Cura Veterinaria San Geminiano, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Miduri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Daga
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giacomo Gnudi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonella Volta
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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