Thoracic CT incidental pulmonary bullae in dogs: Characterization, interobserver variability, and general anesthesia...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Pulmonary Imaging
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Pulmonary blebs and bullae ruptures are primary causes of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs.
• Incidental bullae are recognized in humans, but data in veterinary patients is scarce.
• Characterizing incidental bullae and associated anesthesia risks in dogs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize incidental pulmonary bullae in canine thoracic CT scans.
• To evaluate interobserver agreement among radiologists in characterizing these bullae.
• To assess anesthesia risks associated with incidental bullae in dogs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, observer agreement, analytical study of thoracic CT scans from 2012-2021.
• Inclusion criteria: dogs without pneumothorax undergoing CT, with bullae noted in reports.
• Data collected: signalment, anesthesia history, adverse events; CT images reviewed by three veterinary radiologists for bulla characteristics.

Main Results:

• 1119 dogs initially screened; 74 included in analysis.
• Incidental bullae more prevalent in older (median 11.3 years), large breed dogs (median 20.7 kg).
• Most common finding: solitary bulla <1 cm, no specific lobe predilection. Strong radiologist agreement on location, size, number; weak agreement on wall thickness. No anesthesia adverse events noted.

Conclusions:

• Incidental pulmonary bullae are common in specific canine demographics (older, large breeds).
• Radiographic characterization shows high interobserver agreement for most features, except wall thickness.
• No increased anesthesia risk was identified in dogs with incidental bullae.