In human medicine, pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome characterised by the sudden ons... more In human medicine, pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome characterised by the sudden onset of neurological signs because of haemorrhage or infarction occurring within a normal or tumoral pituitary gland. The diagnosis is usually performed combining neurological signs and imaging findings. The aim of the present study is to describe the abnormal neurological signs, the diagnostic imaging findings, based on Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and the outcome in a population of dogs with suspected PA. Clinical cases were retrospectively reviewed. Nineteen cases of suspected PA were included. The majority of dogs showed behavioural abnormalities (11/19). Neurological signs more frequently identified were obtundation (7/19), vestibular signs (7/19) and epileptic seizures (6/19). The onset of neurological signs was per-acute in 14 out of 19 cases. Data regarding CT and MRI were available in 18 and 9 cases, respectively. Neurological signs resolved in...
Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs is a possibly life-threatening condition, characterized by th... more Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs is a possibly life-threatening condition, characterized by the excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which leads to an increase in serum ionized calcium level. The utility of computed tomography (CT) in the detection and characterization of parathyroid diseases in dogs has not been assessed to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the use of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) for the diagnosis of parathyroid disease in dogs. For this descriptive, single-center study, the database of the San Marco Veterinary Clinic was searched for dogs having a suspicion of parathyroid disease who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT in the period from 2005 to 2021. Dogs with histopathology of the affected parathyroid gland were subsequently considered for inclusion. A total of 22 parathyroid glands were included: 12 adenomas, 8 adenocarcinomas, and two glands with hyperplasia. Several CT features were evaluated, including parathyroid gland affected...
Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) or Cushing syndrome is a complex endocrine syndrome in dogs, which occ... more Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) or Cushing syndrome is a complex endocrine syndrome in dogs, which occurs in subjects chronically exposed to inappropriately high levels of cortisol. Accurate differentiation between adrenocorticotropic-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and adrenocorticotropic-independent hyperadrenocorticism is of great importance because treatment options and prognoses differ. MDCT offers unparalleled opportunities for the simultaneous assessment of the hypophysis and adrenal glands. Moreover, MDCT may help to disclose an ectopic tumor secreting ACTH and is essential for the evaluation of complications related to endocrine syndrome.
A wide spectrum of obstructive and non-obstructive biliary diseases can affect the canine and fel... more A wide spectrum of obstructive and non-obstructive biliary diseases can affect the canine and feline patients and may show similar imaging characteristics. The assessment of biliary diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach to understand possible underlying pathologies. The biliary system is normally evaluated in a CT study of the liver, but in patients with known or suspected biliary tract involvement, special CT techniques should be used to increase diagnostic accuracy.
The thoracic wall, pleurae, and diaphragm enclose the lung and are interconnected. A thoracic com... more The thoracic wall, pleurae, and diaphragm enclose the lung and are interconnected. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) examination usually encompasses all these thoracic structures and a standard protocol may be routinely adopted. CT scanning is excellent at detecting small amounts of both air and fluid and can often be used to identify the underlying intrathoracic causes. Thorough assessment of the pleura for minor changes, such as pleural tags, small nodules, or diffuse thickening, however, may require high-resolution computed tomography evaluation of the thorax. High-quality MDCT data can detect even slight pleural changes and minor structural changes in the diaphragm.
Pancreatic endocrine tumors arise from endocrine tissue of the islets of Langerhans (embedded in ... more Pancreatic endocrine tumors arise from endocrine tissue of the islets of Langerhans (embedded in the exocrine tissue) and are usually malignant in small animals. Insulinoma and gastrinoma are the most common endocrine tumors in dogs. Visualization of a pancreatic mass lesion is essential for definitive diagnosis and treatment. In contrast to other imaging techniques, CT enables thorough assessment of the entire pancreas. The use of dual- and tri-phase MDCT has been described for the identification of pancreatic insulinomas in dogs and for surgical planning.
In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a stu... more In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a study population, which included 364 client-owned dogs that underwent CT examination for thoracic trauma, and compared the characteristics and outcomes of dogs with and without CT evidence of pulmonary laceration. Lung laceration occurred in 46/364 dogs with thoracic trauma (prevalence 12.6%). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly younger than dogs in the control group (median 42 months (interquartile range (IQR) 52.3) and 62 months (IQR 86.1), respectively; p = 0.02). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly heavier than dogs without laceration (median 20.8 kg (IQR 23.3) and median 8.7 kg (IQR 12.4 kg), respectively p < 0.0001). When comparing groups of dogs with thoracic trauma with and without lung laceration, the frequency of high-energy motor vehicle accident trauma was more elevated in dogs with lung laceration than in the control group. No significant differences were o...
MDCT is used for the staging of thyroid cancer in dogs. It enables the evaluation of regional lym... more MDCT is used for the staging of thyroid cancer in dogs. It enables the evaluation of regional lymphadenopathy, vascular invasion, locoregional extension of the tumor, and spread of disease into the mediastinum, as well as the detection of pulmonary and hepatic metastases. On non-contrast images, the gland is generally hyperattenuating compared with the surrounding muscle because of its iodine content. It enhances dramatically due to its vascularity after CM administration, as it is largely supplied from the cranial and caudal thyroid arteries and branches of the common carotids.
The mediastinum is a space that lies along the midline of the thorax between the lung pleurae, ex... more The mediastinum is a space that lies along the midline of the thorax between the lung pleurae, extending from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm. Although divided academically into cranial, middle, caudal, and ventral or dorsal compartments, it is actually a single space in which fluid and air/gas move freely, and it can be affected by benign and malignant conditions. The mediastinum itself is customarily evaluated during thoracic MDCT examination. As a result of embryological development, however, an anatomical continuum exists between the mediastinum and the neck in mammals. Several structures, such as the thyroid, trachea, and esophagus, may be affected by various conditions, indicating the need for simultaneous assessment of these two body compartments. Moreover, spaces between the organs of the neck communicate directly with the mediastinum, creating a conduit for the extension of a variety of pathological processes. For this reason, the neck and mediastinum are treated togeth...
The increased temporal and spatial resolution of most modern MDCT scanners enables routine examin... more The increased temporal and spatial resolution of most modern MDCT scanners enables routine examination of the gastrointestinal tract in small animals. In patients with neoplastic and nonneoplastic obstructive diseases, MDCT can be used to identify the affected segment and, in most cases, the cause of obstruction. In neoplastic conditions, MDCT is essential for staging and aids intervention planning. In fact, the main advantage of MDCT over other imaging techniques and endoscopy is that it enables tumor detection and staging during the same procedure. Advanced MDCT scanners can acquire datasets with the high resolution needed for diagnostic multiplanar reconstruction and 3D virtual endoscopy.
Body trauma occurs commonly in small animal patients. Extensive body trauma often results in life... more Body trauma occurs commonly in small animal patients. Extensive body trauma often results in life-threatening injuries that must be identified rapidly to enable immediate implementation of the appropriate treatment. Workup of the blunt trauma patient has evolved with the advent of MDCT in veterinary practice. The combined value of MDCT, 3D reformatting, and VR has been well documented in various instances in dogs and cats.
CT is superior to other imaging techniques for the study of lung diseases, as it can provide exce... more CT is superior to other imaging techniques for the study of lung diseases, as it can provide excellent anatomic detail of various structures. Advances in CT technology have transformed the imaging of the lung, an organ whose dynamic nature demands rapid acquisition and whose complex anatomy demands isotropic resolution for the distinction of fine anatomic detail and true 3D analysis. With the maximization of spatial resolution in any plane, MDCT findings frequently correlate closely with pathological findings, thereby narrowing differential diagnoses and guiding decisions regarding the most appropriate further investigation.
A wide spectrum of vascular disorders with different degrees of clinical relevance can involve th... more A wide spectrum of vascular disorders with different degrees of clinical relevance can involve the abdominal vasculature in dogs and cats. The selection of an MDCTA imaging protocol depends on appropriate consideration of the clinical question, including the type of anomaly suspected and the vascular district (arterial, portal, or venous) involved. Several important differences exist between spiral CT and the most advanced MDCT technologies in MDCTA scan protocol design and post-processing analysis.
In human medicine, pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome characterised by the sudden ons... more In human medicine, pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome characterised by the sudden onset of neurological signs because of haemorrhage or infarction occurring within a normal or tumoral pituitary gland. The diagnosis is usually performed combining neurological signs and imaging findings. The aim of the present study is to describe the abnormal neurological signs, the diagnostic imaging findings, based on Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and the outcome in a population of dogs with suspected PA. Clinical cases were retrospectively reviewed. Nineteen cases of suspected PA were included. The majority of dogs showed behavioural abnormalities (11/19). Neurological signs more frequently identified were obtundation (7/19), vestibular signs (7/19) and epileptic seizures (6/19). The onset of neurological signs was per-acute in 14 out of 19 cases. Data regarding CT and MRI were available in 18 and 9 cases, respectively. Neurological signs resolved in...
Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs is a possibly life-threatening condition, characterized by th... more Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs is a possibly life-threatening condition, characterized by the excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which leads to an increase in serum ionized calcium level. The utility of computed tomography (CT) in the detection and characterization of parathyroid diseases in dogs has not been assessed to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the use of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) for the diagnosis of parathyroid disease in dogs. For this descriptive, single-center study, the database of the San Marco Veterinary Clinic was searched for dogs having a suspicion of parathyroid disease who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT in the period from 2005 to 2021. Dogs with histopathology of the affected parathyroid gland were subsequently considered for inclusion. A total of 22 parathyroid glands were included: 12 adenomas, 8 adenocarcinomas, and two glands with hyperplasia. Several CT features were evaluated, including parathyroid gland affected...
Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) or Cushing syndrome is a complex endocrine syndrome in dogs, which occ... more Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) or Cushing syndrome is a complex endocrine syndrome in dogs, which occurs in subjects chronically exposed to inappropriately high levels of cortisol. Accurate differentiation between adrenocorticotropic-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and adrenocorticotropic-independent hyperadrenocorticism is of great importance because treatment options and prognoses differ. MDCT offers unparalleled opportunities for the simultaneous assessment of the hypophysis and adrenal glands. Moreover, MDCT may help to disclose an ectopic tumor secreting ACTH and is essential for the evaluation of complications related to endocrine syndrome.
A wide spectrum of obstructive and non-obstructive biliary diseases can affect the canine and fel... more A wide spectrum of obstructive and non-obstructive biliary diseases can affect the canine and feline patients and may show similar imaging characteristics. The assessment of biliary diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach to understand possible underlying pathologies. The biliary system is normally evaluated in a CT study of the liver, but in patients with known or suspected biliary tract involvement, special CT techniques should be used to increase diagnostic accuracy.
The thoracic wall, pleurae, and diaphragm enclose the lung and are interconnected. A thoracic com... more The thoracic wall, pleurae, and diaphragm enclose the lung and are interconnected. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) examination usually encompasses all these thoracic structures and a standard protocol may be routinely adopted. CT scanning is excellent at detecting small amounts of both air and fluid and can often be used to identify the underlying intrathoracic causes. Thorough assessment of the pleura for minor changes, such as pleural tags, small nodules, or diffuse thickening, however, may require high-resolution computed tomography evaluation of the thorax. High-quality MDCT data can detect even slight pleural changes and minor structural changes in the diaphragm.
Pancreatic endocrine tumors arise from endocrine tissue of the islets of Langerhans (embedded in ... more Pancreatic endocrine tumors arise from endocrine tissue of the islets of Langerhans (embedded in the exocrine tissue) and are usually malignant in small animals. Insulinoma and gastrinoma are the most common endocrine tumors in dogs. Visualization of a pancreatic mass lesion is essential for definitive diagnosis and treatment. In contrast to other imaging techniques, CT enables thorough assessment of the entire pancreas. The use of dual- and tri-phase MDCT has been described for the identification of pancreatic insulinomas in dogs and for surgical planning.
In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a stu... more In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a study population, which included 364 client-owned dogs that underwent CT examination for thoracic trauma, and compared the characteristics and outcomes of dogs with and without CT evidence of pulmonary laceration. Lung laceration occurred in 46/364 dogs with thoracic trauma (prevalence 12.6%). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly younger than dogs in the control group (median 42 months (interquartile range (IQR) 52.3) and 62 months (IQR 86.1), respectively; p = 0.02). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly heavier than dogs without laceration (median 20.8 kg (IQR 23.3) and median 8.7 kg (IQR 12.4 kg), respectively p < 0.0001). When comparing groups of dogs with thoracic trauma with and without lung laceration, the frequency of high-energy motor vehicle accident trauma was more elevated in dogs with lung laceration than in the control group. No significant differences were o...
MDCT is used for the staging of thyroid cancer in dogs. It enables the evaluation of regional lym... more MDCT is used for the staging of thyroid cancer in dogs. It enables the evaluation of regional lymphadenopathy, vascular invasion, locoregional extension of the tumor, and spread of disease into the mediastinum, as well as the detection of pulmonary and hepatic metastases. On non-contrast images, the gland is generally hyperattenuating compared with the surrounding muscle because of its iodine content. It enhances dramatically due to its vascularity after CM administration, as it is largely supplied from the cranial and caudal thyroid arteries and branches of the common carotids.
The mediastinum is a space that lies along the midline of the thorax between the lung pleurae, ex... more The mediastinum is a space that lies along the midline of the thorax between the lung pleurae, extending from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm. Although divided academically into cranial, middle, caudal, and ventral or dorsal compartments, it is actually a single space in which fluid and air/gas move freely, and it can be affected by benign and malignant conditions. The mediastinum itself is customarily evaluated during thoracic MDCT examination. As a result of embryological development, however, an anatomical continuum exists between the mediastinum and the neck in mammals. Several structures, such as the thyroid, trachea, and esophagus, may be affected by various conditions, indicating the need for simultaneous assessment of these two body compartments. Moreover, spaces between the organs of the neck communicate directly with the mediastinum, creating a conduit for the extension of a variety of pathological processes. For this reason, the neck and mediastinum are treated togeth...
The increased temporal and spatial resolution of most modern MDCT scanners enables routine examin... more The increased temporal and spatial resolution of most modern MDCT scanners enables routine examination of the gastrointestinal tract in small animals. In patients with neoplastic and nonneoplastic obstructive diseases, MDCT can be used to identify the affected segment and, in most cases, the cause of obstruction. In neoplastic conditions, MDCT is essential for staging and aids intervention planning. In fact, the main advantage of MDCT over other imaging techniques and endoscopy is that it enables tumor detection and staging during the same procedure. Advanced MDCT scanners can acquire datasets with the high resolution needed for diagnostic multiplanar reconstruction and 3D virtual endoscopy.
Body trauma occurs commonly in small animal patients. Extensive body trauma often results in life... more Body trauma occurs commonly in small animal patients. Extensive body trauma often results in life-threatening injuries that must be identified rapidly to enable immediate implementation of the appropriate treatment. Workup of the blunt trauma patient has evolved with the advent of MDCT in veterinary practice. The combined value of MDCT, 3D reformatting, and VR has been well documented in various instances in dogs and cats.
CT is superior to other imaging techniques for the study of lung diseases, as it can provide exce... more CT is superior to other imaging techniques for the study of lung diseases, as it can provide excellent anatomic detail of various structures. Advances in CT technology have transformed the imaging of the lung, an organ whose dynamic nature demands rapid acquisition and whose complex anatomy demands isotropic resolution for the distinction of fine anatomic detail and true 3D analysis. With the maximization of spatial resolution in any plane, MDCT findings frequently correlate closely with pathological findings, thereby narrowing differential diagnoses and guiding decisions regarding the most appropriate further investigation.
A wide spectrum of vascular disorders with different degrees of clinical relevance can involve th... more A wide spectrum of vascular disorders with different degrees of clinical relevance can involve the abdominal vasculature in dogs and cats. The selection of an MDCTA imaging protocol depends on appropriate consideration of the clinical question, including the type of anomaly suspected and the vascular district (arterial, portal, or venous) involved. Several important differences exist between spiral CT and the most advanced MDCT technologies in MDCTA scan protocol design and post-processing analysis.
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