Evidence-Based Medicine: Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Cholecystocentesis in the Cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Hepatology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Cholangitis is a frequent cause of hepatobiliary disease in cats.
• Feline cholangitis presents in neutrophilic (acute/chronic), lymphocytic, or fluke-induced forms.
• Neutrophilic cholangitis stems from bacterial infection, necessitating pathogen identification for treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature supporting the safety and utility of percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis.
• To evaluate this technique's role in diagnosing feline hepatobiliary disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis in cats.
• Focus on diagnostic yield for bacterial cholangitis.
• Bile sampling via ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis for cytology and culture.

Main Results:

• Percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis is a valuable tool for obtaining bile samples.
• The procedure demonstrates safety and usefulness in the diagnostic work-up of feline hepatobiliary disease.
• Identification of bacterial agents in neutrophilic cholangitis is facilitated by this method.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis is a recommended procedure for cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease.
• It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing feline cholangitis, particularly the neutrophilic form.
• Evidence supports its integration into routine veterinary diagnostics for liver conditions in cats.