A Sonographic Reticulonodular Pattern Is Likely a Normal Finding in Kitten Spleens Using a High-Frequency Linear...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• A reticulonodular splenic pattern, characterized by hypoechoic nodules, is typically linked to various pathologies but recognized as a normal variant in young canines.
• This pattern's presence and significance in young felines have not been well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if healthy kittens exhibit a reticulonodular splenic pattern similar to that observed in puppies.
• To characterize the ultrasonographic appearance of spleens in healthy kittens across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, descriptive study involving 50 healthy kittens (0-1.5 years old) and 67 spleens.
• High-frequency linear transducer used for ultrasonography.
• Splenic patterns graded from 1 (homogeneous) to 4 (large nodules >25%).

Main Results:

• A reticulonodular pattern was identified in 92% of kitten spleens, with grade 2 being most frequent.
• Highest pattern grades were observed in kittens aged 0-4 months.
• A reticulonodular pattern persisted in many cats up to 1.5 years, with a negative association between age and pattern grade after 4 months.

Conclusions:

• The ultrasonographic reticulonodular splenic pattern appears to be a normal finding in young cats and kittens.
• This pattern should not be misdiagnosed as pathological in feline patients.
• Findings suggest a potential age-related ultrasonographic variant in feline spleens similar to canines.