Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound signs of cholangitis in cats explained
By Marolf, Angela J et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2012·Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic findings of feline cholangitis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with liver and bile duct issues were examined using ultrasound to check for cholangitis, an inflammation of the biliary system. Most of these cats had normal liver size and appearance, but some showed signs like a brighter liver on the ultrasound, changes in the gallbladder, and an enlarged pancreas. These ultrasound findings can help veterinarians identify cholangitis in cats. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying inflammation and may include medications or dietary changes.
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Abstract
Cholangitis is a common inflammatory disorder of the biliary system in cats. There are two major forms based on the predominate type of inflammatory cell infiltrates: lymphocytic or neutrophilic. Ultrasound is a common imaging modality used in these patients. This retrospective study evaluated the ultrasound examinations of 26 cats with a histologic diagnosis of cholangitis. Most cats with cholangitis had sonographically normal liver size, echogenicity, and normal biliary systems. Statistically significant sonographic changes for cats with cholangitis included hyperechoic liver parenchyma, hyperechoic gallbladder contents, and increased pancreatic size. No statistically significant changes were noted to distinguish lymphocytic and neutrophilic forms of cholangitis. Cats with the sonographic features of diffuse liver hyperechogenicity, gallbladder contents and enlarged pancreas may suggest cholangitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22186719/