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Hepatic volume estimation using quantitative computed tomography in dogs with portosystemic shunts.
Susanne M Stieger1, Allison Zwingenberger, Rachel E Pollard
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Summary
Quantitative computed tomography (CT) accurately estimates liver volume in dogs with portosystemic shunts. Affected dogs showed significantly smaller liver volumes, which increased substantially after surgical shunt attenuation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Comparative Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Portosystemic shunts are congenital or acquired vascular anomalies affecting liver function in dogs.
- Accurate assessment of liver volume is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning in affected animals.
- Quantitative imaging techniques can provide objective measurements of organ size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize quantitative computed tomography (CT) for estimating liver volume in dogs diagnosed with portosystemic shunts.
- To compare liver volumes between dogs with portosystemic shunts and healthy control dogs.
- To evaluate changes in liver volume following surgical attenuation of portosystemic shunts.
Main Methods:
- Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans were performed on 21 dogs with portosystemic shunts and 6 control dogs.
- Liver margins were delineated, and hepatic volume renderings were generated for quantitative volume estimation.
- Liver volume was normalized to body weight and compared between groups and before/after surgery.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation was observed between liver volume and body weight in both control and shunt groups (r = 0.909 and 0.899, respectively).
- Liver volume normalized to body weight was significantly lower in dogs with portosystemic shunts (15.5 cm³/kg) compared to controls (24.5 cm³/kg).
- Post-surgical attenuation in three dogs resulted in substantial liver volume increases (43%, 51%, 62%).
Conclusions:
- Quantitative CT-derived hepatic volume estimation is a reliable method for assessing liver size in dogs.
- Dogs with portosystemic shunts exhibit reduced liver volumes compared to healthy dogs.
- Hepatic volume measurement is a clinically valuable tool for pre- and post-operative management of portosystemic shunts in dogs.
