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Ultrasonographic findings in cats with acute kidney injury: a retrospective study
Laura P Cole1, Panagiotis Mantis2, Karen Humm1
11 Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK.
Insights
Ultrasonography reveals common findings in cats with acute kidney injury (AKI). Increased abnormalities and retroperitoneal fluid correlate with reduced urine output, while a higher ultrasound score indicates a poorer prognosis for feline AKI patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Nephrology
Background:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical condition in cats.
- Ultrasonography is a key diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine.
- Understanding prognostic indicators for feline AKI is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify ultrasonographic findings in cats diagnosed with AKI.
- To evaluate the prognostic significance of these ultrasonographic findings.
- To correlate ultrasound findings with clinical outcomes like urine output and survival.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive case series was conducted using data from 2007-2016.
- Renal ultrasound images were reviewed for specific abnormalities in 45 cats with AKI.
- An ultrasound score was calculated, and findings were assessed for association with oliguria/anuria and survival.
Main Results:
- Most cats with AKI exhibited renal ultrasonographic abnormalities; normal findings were rare.
- Nephromegaly, pyelectasia, and increased renal echogenicity were the most frequent abnormalities.
- Retroperitoneal fluid was linked to oliguria/anuria, and the total ultrasound score correlated with urine output and 6-month survival.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonographic abnormalities are prevalent in cats with AKI.
- The presence of retroperitoneal fluid and a higher cumulative ultrasound score are associated with worse outcomes, including reduced urine output and poorer prognosis.
- Renal ultrasonography provides valuable prognostic information in feline AKI.
Objectives:
The aims of the study were to identify the ultrasonographic findings in cats with acute kidney injury (AKI) and to assess whether they had prognostic value.
Methods:
This was a descriptive case series. A search of the computerised records of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (Hatfield, UK) was performed for cats presenting with AKI between 2007 and 2016. Patients were excluded if they had historical data consistent with chronic kidney disease. Ultrasound images were reviewed for the presence of six renal ultrasonographic abnormalities: nephromegaly, cortical and medullary echogenicity, pyelectasia, and retroperitoneal and peritoneal fluid. Ultrasonographic findings were assessed individually and cumulatively to give an ultrasound score out of 6. Ultrasonographic findings were assessed for association with oligouria/anuria and survival.
Results:
Forty-five cats with AKI fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In total, 6.7% (3/45) of cats had normal renal size and architecture. The most common renal ultrasonographic findings were nephromegaly, pyelectasia and increased renal echogenicity. The presence of retroperitoneal fluid was associated with oligouria/anuria. Total ultrasound score (out of 6) was significantly associated with oligouria/anuria and 6 month survival.
Conclusions And Relevance:
Ultrasonographic findings are common in cats presenting with AKI. The increasing number of renal ultrasonographic abnormalities and the presence of retroperitoneal fluid alone are associated with oligouria/anuria and a higher ultrasound score may suggest a poorer long-term prognosis.
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