Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan signs that help spot hemangiosarcoma spread in dogs
By Mattolini, Mirko et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2024·AniCura Clinica Veterinaria Dell'Orologio, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Computed tomographic features of pulmonary and extrapulmonary lesions can be useful in prioritizing the diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma metastases in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old Golden Retriever was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer) and later developed breathing problems. A CT scan revealed numerous small, well-defined nodules in the lungs, which indicated that the cancer had spread. The presence of these nodules, often connected to blood vessels, helped the veterinarians confirm the diagnosis of metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Unfortunately, this condition is serious, and treatment options may be limited, but early detection through imaging can help guide care decisions.
People also search for: dog hemangiosarcoma symptoms · Golden Retriever breathing problems · dog lung cancer treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the CT features of pulmonary metastases in dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) at various sites. Additionally, the CT characteristics of extrapulmonary metastases in the same population were assessed. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, and descriptive study conducted from April 2013 to January 2024. Dogs with histologically confirmed HSA and suspected or cytologically/histologically confirmed lung metastases were included. Dogs were excluded if they had a second primary tumor or only 1 unsampled pulmonary nodule. RESULTS: 33 dogs were included, with 26/33 [78.8%] having more than 10 metastatic pulmonary nodules. Most nodules were generalized (24/33 [72.7%]), miliary (29/33 [87.9%]) to subcentimetric (32/33 [97%]) in size, well-defined margins (29/33 [87.9%]), or a perilesional halo sign (24/33 [72.7%]). When more than 10 nodules were present, a generalized distribution was prevalent, while a peripheral location was more common when 2 to 10 nodules were present (P < .0001). In 32/33 (97%) cases, a pulmonary vessel was directly connected to the nodule (feeding vessel). After contrast administration, most lung metastases appeared homogenous (26/33 [78.8%]), although some showed areas of intense enhancement (5/33 [15.1%]) a feature also observed in extrapulmonary metastases with varying frequency (0% to 85.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary HSA metastases were characterized by generalized, small (miliary/subcentimetric), well-defined nodules, commonly associated with a halo sign and feeding vessel. Intralesional areas of spotty postcontrast linear or amorphous strong hyperdensity were frequently observed especially in extrapulmonary metastases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These features may help radiologists and clinicians orient their diagnosis toward metastatic HSA.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39362269/