Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT and ultrasound signs of liver lobe torsion in dogs
By Cordella, Alessia & Bertolini, Giovanna·Published in Research in veterinary science·2021·Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Division of San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Multiphase multidetector-row computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings in dogs with spontaneous liver lobe torsion.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male Labrador was brought in for vomiting and abdominal pain, and tests revealed he had a rare condition called liver lobe torsion, where a part of the liver twists and cuts off its blood supply. The veterinarian used advanced imaging techniques, including ultrasound and CT scans, to confirm the diagnosis before surgery. The imaging showed fluid and gas-filled areas in the liver, which helped the vet plan the surgery. After the procedure, the dog recovered well and was able to return to his normal activities.
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Abstract
Liver lobe torsion (LLT) is an uncommon condition of unknown origin in dogs. Several reports describe the clinical features and outcome, but only few of them include the imaging characteristics of this disease. The aim of this descriptive case series was to describe the ultrasonographic (US) and multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) features of LLT in a group of dogs. Five dogs were included in this single-center descriptive study, having both US, CT and surgical and histological confirmation of LLT available for review. Different US appearances have been found, both hypoechoic and hyperechoic liver lobes and heterogeneous mass-like lesions, with fluid and gas content. At three-phase MDCT examination, LLT appeared as fluid- and gas-filled lesions (consistent with abscess transformation), or as hypoattenuating hypovascular lobes. Two different vascular signs were also described: whirl sign or vascular interruption were seen in all cases, allowing a correct pre-surgical diagnosis in all the cases presented. Multiphase MDCT was a helpful imaging method for the correct pre-surgical diagnosis of LLT in dogs, and its use in the suspected cases is therefore advisable.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33556649/