Multi-phase MULTIDETECTOR-row computed tomographic features and laboratory findings in dogs with gallbladder rupture

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Canine Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Gallbladder rupture is a critical condition in dogs.
• Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is a leading diagnostic tool in human medicine for gallbladder rupture.
• Veterinary diagnostic capabilities for canine gallbladder rupture require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize MDCT features associated with gallbladder rupture in dogs.
• To identify CT findings and laboratory data differentiating dogs with gallbladder rupture from those with other biliary diseases.
• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for canine gallbladder rupture.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, cross-sectional study included 47 dogs with surgical confirmation of gallbladder rupture or integrity.
• Dogs underwent MDCT and had complete blood count and biochemistry results available.
• MDCT findings were analyzed to compare dogs with and without gallbladder rupture.

Main Results:

• Significant MDCT findings for gallbladder rupture included irregular gallbladder contours, wall discontinuation, adhesions, heterogeneous wall enhancement, pericholecystic effusion, and peritonitis.
• The presence of three or more of these findings demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.921).
• MDCT effectively differentiated dogs with gallbladder rupture from those with intact gallbladders and other biliary diseases.

Conclusions:

• MDCT is a valuable imaging modality for diagnosing gallbladder rupture in dogs.
• Specific MDCT features provide reliable indicators for identifying gallbladder rupture.
• This study enhances the diagnostic approach to gallbladder disease in canine patients.