Imaging signs of inflammatory throat disease in cats

Abstract

Feline inflammatory laryngeal disease is a nonneoplastic condition with limited documentation in veterinary literature. This retrospective study assesses the imaging characteristics and clinical outcomes of seven cats diagnosed with this disease. Radiography, echolaryngography, and endoscopy identified laryngeal masses or thickening in all cases. Echolaryngography, utilizing an 18 MHz high-frequency probe and spatial compounding, revealed abnormalities in shape, margination, echogenicity, echotexture, and laryngeal immobility, closely aligning with endoscopic findings. Histopathology revealed neutrophilic, lymphocytic, and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, alongside granulation tissue formation. Disease-related mortality occurred between 19 and 90 days, while long-term survivors were followed for up to 801 days. The study highlights the difficulty in differentiating inflammatory and neoplastic lesions based on imaging alone, stressing the importance of biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Echolaryngography proved to be a valuable noninvasive diagnostic tool, providing detailed insights into laryngeal structure and function. These findings support its integration into routine diagnostic protocols for feline laryngeal disease while emphasizing the critical role of histopathological confirmation. Further research is warranted to refine imaging techniques and improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly in distinguishing between inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.