Transmission Computed Tomographic Diagnosis of Experimentally Produced Acute Pulmonary Vascular Occlusion in the Dog

Abstract

Acute experimental pulmonary arterial occlusions were produced in 5 dogs. The chest was subsequently imaged with computed tomography (CT), 99mTc-MAA scintigraphy, and plain radiography. Gamma images revealed all 6 lesions, and plain radiographs were uniformly negative. Enhanced CT scans demonstrated 3 of 5 lesions, and unenhanced scans revealed 1 of 6. CT findings were variable.

Use of computed tomography for evaluation of lung lesions associated with spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs: 12 cases (1999–2002)

“…In dogs, experimental pulmonary vascular occlusion may cause an increase in lung density or attenuation. 24 The increased attenuation of the lung tissue along with the speed and resolution of the scanner could have resulted in these lesions being missed. For these reasons, continuous suction should be maintained during CT scan or the thorax should be completely evacuated just prior to the start of the scan.…”