Image processing setting adaptions according to image dose and radiologist preference can improve image quality in computed radiography of the equine distal limb: A cadaveric study.

Image processing (IP) in digital radiography has been steadily refined to improve image quality. Adaptable settings enable users to adjust systems to their specific requirements. This prospective, analytical study aimed to investigate the influence of different IP settings and dose reductions on image quality. Included were 20 cadaveric equine limb specimens distal to the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. Images were processed with the Dynamic Visualization II system (Fujifilm) using five different IP settings including multiobjective frequency processing, flexible noise control (FNC), and virtual grid processing (VGP). Seven criteria were assessed by three veterinary radiology Diplomates and one veterinary radiology resident in a blinded study using a scoring system. Algorithm comparison was performed using an absolute visual grading analysis. The rating of bone structures was improved by VGP at full dose (P < .05; AUCVGC  = 0.45). Überschwinger artifact perception was enhanced by VGP (P < .001; AUCVGC  = 0.66), whereas image noise perception was suppressed by FNC (P < .001; AUCVGC  = 0.29). The ratings of bone structures were improved by FNC at 50% dose (P < .05; AUCVGC  = 0.44), and 25% dose (P < .001; AUCVGC  = 0.32), and clinically acceptable image quality was maintained at 50% dose (mean rating 2.16; 95.8% ratings sufficient or better). The favored IP setting varied among observers, with higher agreement at lower dose levels. These findings supported using individualized IP settings based on the radiologist's preferences and situational image requirements, rather than using default settings.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in cats: a two-case report and literature review.

Case series summary: Two castrated male domestic shorthair cats (aged 8 months [case 1] and 13 years [case 2]) were presented at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Medicine University of Vienna, Austria, both with acute vomiting and distended abdomen, as well as a history of chronic apathy, recurrent vomiting and diarrhoea. Both cats underwent invasive diagnostic procedures approximately 1 month before the diagnosis of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), namely an exploratory laparotomy and a bronchoscopy, respectively. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severely corrugated intestinal loops and, in case 2, the presence of peritoneal effusion. A thick and diffuse fibrous capsule around the intestine was detected and removed surgically, and biopsies were taken from the affected organs confirming the SEP. Case 1 recovered well, was discharged some days after surgery and was clinically unremarkable for the next 2 years. Case 2 showed unsatisfactory improvement directly after surgery and was euthanased a few days later, as the owner declined any further therapy. Relevance and novel information: SEP is a very rare condition of unclear origins in cats. Here we describe the clinical and diagnostic imaging features, surgical treatment, and outcome of SEP in two cats. The results indicate that prompt diagnosis and appropriate interventions may improve the outcome.

A Case Report of Presumptive Primary Lymphedema Localized to the Face of a Dog.

Primary lymphedema (PLE) is an uncommon diagnosis in veterinary medicine, with most of the previously described cases showing lower limb edema associated with a guarded long-term prognosis. To the authors' knowledge, this case report describes the first case of lymphedema localized unilaterally to the facial region of one-year-old German Shorthair Pointer, in which indirect CT-lymphography, combined with histopathologic examination of the skin, resulted in a tentative diagnosis of PLE.

Comparison of ultrasonographic echogenicity and outcome in cats with suspected pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasonographic pancreatic echogenicity, especially hypoechogenicity, has an impact on the prognosis of cats with suspected pancreatitis. We hypothesised that cats with a hypoechoic pancreas have a longer duration of hospitalisation, higher treatment costs and a higher mortality rate. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, which included cats with clinical signs of pancreatitis, a SNAP fPL test result above the reference interval and ultrasonographic abnormalities consistent with pancreatitis. Medical records and follow-up information were retrieved from the local electronic database. Cases were assigned to one of three groups based on pancreatic echogenicity: hypoechoic, hyperechoic or mixed echogenicity. Statistical analysis aimed to assess differences in outcome, ultrasonographic abnormalities, historical features, physical examination findings, laboratory results, concurrent diseases or treatment costs. RESULTS: Thirty-six (64%) cats with a hypoechoic, seven (13%) with a hyperechoic and 13 (23%) cats with a mixed echoic pancreas were included. Cats with a hypoechoic pancreas had a significantly lower median body weight (P = 0.010) and lower median body condition score (P = 0.004) compared with the other cats. Furthermore, they were presented as being lethargic significantly more often (P = 0.014), were more likely to have a homogeneously enlarged pancreas (P <0.001) and were less likely to have concurrent abnormalities or diseases, such as ultrasonographic enteric abnormalities (P = 0.020), triaditis (P = 0.013) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.041). However, there was no difference in treatment costs (P = 0.961), duration of hospitalisation (P = 0.898), survival of hospitalisation (P = 0.419) or survival time (P = 0.256) between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, echogenicity was of no prognostic value in cats with suspected pancreatitis. Cats with a hypoechoic pancreas were not associated with a poorer outcome than cats with a hyperechoic or mixed echoic pancreas.

[Intrapelvic leiomyoma causing concurrent colonic and urethral obstruction in a dog]. / Intrapelvines Leiomyom als Ursache für gleichzeitige Darm- und Harntraktobstruktion bei einem Hund.

An 8-year-old female spayed dog was presented due to simultaneous inability to defecate and urinate. During digital rectal examination a smooth, rounded, firm-elastic mass was detected. Laboratory results showed a 6-fold elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase activity. Ultrasonographic, radiographic and computed tomography findings raised the suspicion of a leiomyoma. An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed under mild sedation but cytologic evaluation was inconclusive. During laparotomy the mass was located at the colorectal transition. It was completely removed while keeping the intestinal wall intact. The results of the histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the initial tentative diagnosis of a leiomyoma. Postoperatively the patient was able to pass urine and feces spontaneously. Six months later the dog presented clinically unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound and rectal examination exhibited no signs of recurrence. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was only marginally increased.

Differentiation between inflammatory and neoplastic orbital conditions based on computed tomographic signs.

OBJECTIVE: To identify computed tomographic (CT) signs that could be used to differentiate inflammatory from neoplastic orbital conditions in small animals. ANIMAL STUDIED: Fifty-two animals (25 cats, 21 dogs, 4 rabbits, and 2 rodents). PROCEDURE: Case-control study in which CT images of animals with histopathologic diagnosis of inflammatory (n = 11), neoplastic orbital conditions (n = 31), or normal control animals (n = 10) were reviewed independently by five observers without the knowledge of the history or diagnosis. Observers recorded their observations regarding specific anatomical structures within the orbit using an itemized form containing the following characteristics: definitely normal; probably normal; equivocal; probably abnormal; and definitely abnormal. Results were statistically analyzed using Fleiss' kappa and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The overall level of agreement between observers about the presence or absence of abnormal CT signs in animals with orbital disease was poor to moderate, but was highest for observations concerning orbital bones (κ = 0.62) and involvement of the posterior segment (κ = 0.52). Significant associations between abnormalities and diagnosis were found for four structures: Abnormalities affecting orbital bones (odds ratio [OR], 1.7) and anterior ocular structures (OR, 1.5) were predictive of neoplasia, while abnormalities affecting extraconal fat (OR, 1.7) and skin (OR, 1.4) were predictive of inflammatory conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital CT is an imaging test with high specificity. Fat stranding, a CT sign not previously emphasized in veterinary medicine, was significantly associated with inflammatory conditions. Low observer agreement probably reflects the limited resolution of CT for small orbital structures.