Presumed mediastinal cysts have a low prevalence in canine thoracic computed tomographic studies

Mediastinal cysts (MCs) are rare lesions that can arise from embryonic remnants of various mediastinal structures. MCs usually are incidental findings in dogs and cats; however, they can reach a mass-like appearance. The description of MCs on CT in dogs is limited. This retrospective, single-center, descriptive, prevalence study aimed to determine the prevalence of presumed mediastinal cysts (PMCs) in dogs and assess their CT characteristics. Dogs that underwent a thoracic CT scan from January 2019 to August 2021 were included. CT images were evaluated for the presence of PMCs by two diagnostic imaging interns, two last year diagnostic imaging residents, and a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Number, location, margins, shape, volume, size, mass effect, and attenuation values of PMCs were assessed. A total of 866 CT scans were reviewed, and 49 PMCs were identified. The prevalence of PMCs in dogs was 5.66%. English Bulldog and mixed-breed dogs were subjectively overrepresented; however, the possibility of population bias could not be excluded. PMCs were subjectively more frequently observed in male dogs. The PMCs were predominantly round, small, solitary fluid-filled findings localized in the cranioventral mediastinum, with well-defined margins, homogeneous attenuation, and no contrast enhancement. The median attenuation value was 6.32 HU (range: -20.16 to 23.45 HU) precontrast and 7.58 HU (range: -2.45 to 20.79 HU) postcontrast, and the median volume was 1.19 cm³ (range: 0.02-45.32 cm³). Although the prevalence of PMCs was low in our sample population, findings supported prioritizing a differential diagnosis of incidental PMC for dogs with the above imaging characteristics.