Open this publication in new window or tab >>2023 (English)In: Journal of Small Animal Practice, ISSN 0022-4510, E-ISSN 1748-5827, Vol. 64, no 7, p. 463-476Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Objectives: In cats, although ultrasonography remains the preferred modality to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract, computed tomographic (CT) examination of the abdomen is commonly performed. However, a normal description of the gastrointestinal tract is lacking. This study describes the conspicuity and contrast enhancement pattern of the normal gastrointestinal tract in cats using dual-phase CT.
Materials and Methods: Pre- and dual-phase postcontrast (early scan at 30 seconds and late scan mean at 84 seconds) abdominal CT exams of 39 cats without history, clinical signs or diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease were reviewed. The gastrointestinal tract was examined for conspicuity and enhancement pattern using commercially available viewing software (Osirix, v.6.5.2), and diameters of 16 gastrointestinal segments were recorded and compared with published radiographic and ultrasonographic reference values.
Results: Of the 624 gastrointestinal segments, 530 (84.9%) were identified on precontrast studies and 545 (87.3%) segments on postcontrast studies. Of the gastrointestinal wall segments, 257 (41.2%) were identified on precontrast studies and 314 (50.3%) on postcontrast studies. Gastrointestinal segment diameters correlated well with published normal values, whereas wall thickness measurements usually were smaller compared with sonographic normal values. Early mucosal surface enhancement was frequently seen in the gastric cardia and fundus and ileocolic junction, and a mainly transmural wall enhancement in other gastrointestinal segments.
Clinical Significance: Dual-phase CT allows for the identification of gastrointestinal tract segments and walls in cats. Contrast enhancement improves conspicuity and demonstrates wall layering in the cardia, fundus and ileocolic junction.
National Category
Veterinary Science
Research subject
Diagnostic Radiology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:su:diva-199770 (URN)10.1111/jsap.13605 (DOI)000960646600001 ()36990464 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85151998236 (Scopus ID)
2023-01-242023-01-242023-08-16Bibliographically approved