title: Computed tomographic and radiographic characteristics of aortic lesions in 42 dogs with spirocercosis.
abstract: Spirocerca lupi is a common cause of vomiting, regurgitation, and sudden death in dogs that live in tropical or subtropical regions. Sudden death due to aortic rupture may occur with no preceding clinical signs. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of aortic lesions in a cohort of 42 dogs with endoscopically confirmed spirocercosis. Dorsoventral and right lateral recumbent thoracic radiographic findings were compared with pre- and postcontrast thoracic CT findings. Aortic mineralization was detected using CT in 18/42 dogs (43%). Three dogs had faint diffuse aortic wall mineralization. Using CT as the reference standard, radiographs had a sensitivity and specificity of 6% and 96%, respectively, for detecting aortic mineralization. A total of 20 aortic aneurysms were detected using CT in 15/42 dogs (36%). Using CT as the reference standard, radiographs had a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 56%, respectively, for detecting aortic aneurysms. Respiratory motion, aortic displacement by esophageal masses and Spirocerca nodules adjacent to the aorta mimicked aneurysm formation on radiographs. Aortic thrombi were seen in two dogs in postcontrast CT images. Findings from this study indicated that aortic mineralization and aneurysm formation are common in dogs with spirocercosis. Findings also supported the use of pre- and postcontrast CT as effective methods for detecting and characterizing these lesions.
authors: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110,, Republic of South Africa. robert.kirberger@up.ac.za
authors: Robert M
authors: RM
authors: Kirberger
authors: Nerissa
authors: N
authors: Stander
authors: Nicky
authors: N
authors: Cassel
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Pazzi
authors: Varaidzo
authors: V
authors: Mukorera
authors: Jevan
authors: J
authors: Christie
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Carstens
authors: Eran
authors: E
authors: Dvir
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D017205:Spirurida Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013802:Thelazioidea / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary