title: Hepatic volume estimation using quantitative computed tomography in dogs with portosystemic shunts.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to use quantitative computed tomography (CT) to estimate liver volume in dogs with a portosystemic shunt and to compare the liver volume in normal dogs to dogs with a shunt. Twenty-one dogs with a portosystemic shunt underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT for shunt characterization and preoperative planning. Six dogs without clinical signs relating to liver disease were used as a control group. In addition, liver volume was compared before and 2-4 months after surgical shunt attenuation in three dogs. All studies followed established clinical imaging protocols. Liver margins were defined on each image using an operator-defined region of interest and hepatic volume renderings were produced from which the liver volume was quantitatively estimated. There was a statistically significant association between liver volume and body weight in control and shunt dogs (r = 0.909 and 0.899, respectively, P < 0.01). Liver volume normalized to body weight was 15.5 +/- 5.2 cm3/kg in affected dogs and 24.5 +/- 5.6 cm3/kg in control dogs. Based on postligation CT studies in three affected dogs, liver volume increased by 43%, 51%, and 62%. Hepatic volume estimation may be a clinically useful parameter in the initial and postsurgical evaluation of dogs with portosystemic shunts.
authors: Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2112 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
authors: Susanne M
authors: SM
authors: Stieger
authors: Allison
authors: A
authors: Zwingenberger
authors: Rachel E
authors: RE
authors: Pollard
authors: Andrew E
authors: AE
authors: Kyles
authors: Erik R
authors: ER
authors: Wisner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media