Association of computed tomographic angiography findings on the outcome in dogs receiving partial ligation of an intrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt, a retrospective study of 24 cases (2008-2016).

Abstract

Objective - To verify whether CTA-findings exceed abdominal US in diagnosing an IH CPSS and to determine whether CTA findings have predictive value on the outcome in dogs that receive ligation surgery for IH CPSS. Design - Retrospective case study. Animals - 24 dogs, each with a single IH CPSS, in which CTA-images were made before partial or complete ligation surgery between 2008 and 2016. Procedures - Medical records were reviewed preoperatively and postoperatively (at 1 month and at 3 months after surgery) for patient description, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, diagnostic imaging, surgery reports and recovery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to discover any significant correlations between information derived from CTA-imaging and surgical outcome. Results - Based on the amount and the accuracy of the information obtained from CTA compared to abdominal US, CTA-imaging exceeds abdominal US in diagnosing an IH CPSS. A correlation was found between the presence of CTA-images and possible closure. No predictive value on surgical outcome can be assigned to CTA-imaging. Less residual blood flow through the shunting vessel results in a lower classification of HE symptoms. A larger shunt diameter may predict portal branching and location (subtype) appears to be correlated with a superficial course of the shunt. Conclusions and clinical relevance - Data suggests that CTA-imaging does not help predict surgical outcome of IH CPSS attenuation. Future studying with a larger group of patients in a prospective design is advised.