Ultrasound-guided transhepatic computed tomography cholecystography in beagle dogs

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-guided computed tomography (CT) cholecystography and to establish an optimal protocol. In 8 healthy beagles, CT cholecystography was conducted using four contrast formulas; two dilution ratios (1:1 vs. 1:3) and two total volumes (8 mL vs. 16 mL) of 300 mgI/kg iohexol after ultrasound-guided percutaneous contrast injection into the gallbladder. CT images were obtained at 3, 10, and 30 min after injection and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. For all contrast formulas, CT cholecystography showed the gallbladder and the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. The volume of the gallbladder and size of bile duct were significantly larger when using a volume of 16 mL iohexol than an 8 mL volume regardless of the dilution ratio. The distinction between the common bile duct and duodenum, the filling of the gallbladder, and the patency of bile duct were effectively assessed using a 16 mL volume of contrast agent with either dilution ratio. Beam-hardening artifacts deteriorated CT image quality for visualizing the biliary system when using the dilution ratio of 1:1. Patency of the bile tract could be easily evaluated using a curvilinear planar reconstruction. There was no significant difference in CT scan time among the different conditions. Minor leakage of contrast agent temporarily occurred after contrast injection in 30% of 32 sets of CT cholecystography. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystography can visualize both gallbladder and biliary tract with minimal artifacts using a contrast agent volume of 16 mL with a 1:3 dilution ratio.

Reconstruction surgery using a pediculated jejunal patch for a gastrointestinal stromal tumour originating from the proximal duodenum in a dog

“…13,14 The CT cholangiography has been reported for both healthy dogs and dogs with gall bladder mucocele; therefore, this method could be applied to bile duct obstruction. [15][16][17] Thus, additional application of such diagnostic imaging techniques would provide a more accurate preoperative evaluation on the obstruction of the major and minor duodenal papillae by the tumour, which may make it possible to determine whether this procedure is indicated.…”

Septate gallbladder in a dog with cholecystitis: A case report and literature review

“…A cholecystography and a CT examination can provide an accurate visualisation of the gallbladder and biliary anatomy (Allan and Dixon 1975;Causey et al 2010;Kim et al 2019). In the present case, the ultrasonography showed a thickened gallbladder wall with a separated lumen and an enlarged cystic duct, but it was impossible to detect the small cystic calculi and the anatomic relationship between the two lumen and cystic duct.…”

CT features of divisional bile ducts in healthy Labrador Retrievers

“…The use of these techniques is limited by several reasons, including the failure in a percentage of cases, the lack of experience with diseased animals, the high cost of the contrast medium, and the time required to complete the study. The knowledge of the anatomy of the GB and bile ducts is crucial for imaging interpretation and during surgical cholecystectomy 16 …”

“…The knowledge of the anatomy of the GB and bile ducts is crucial for imaging interpretation and during surgical cholecystectomy. 16 Detailed anatomy of the common bile duct (CBD) and divisional bile ducts is reported in canine cadavers. 17,18 The CBD is formed after the last hepatic duct joins the excretory duct system, extends caudally to the duodenum, and ends at the major duodenal papilla 1.5 to 6.0 cm distal to the pylorus.…”