Editorial Type:
Diagnostic Imaging

Point shear wave elastography of the liver in healthy adult cats

Saechol Park College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.

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 DVM, MS
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Jeongwoo Choi College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.

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 DVM
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Kyeonga Kim College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.

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Donghyun Oh College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.

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Junghee Yoon College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.

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 DVM, PhD
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Mincheol Choi College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.

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 DVM, PhD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.82.4.286
Volume/Issue:
Volume 82: Issue 4
Online Publication Date:
Apr 2021
Restricted access
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate stiffness of the liver parenchyma in healthy adult cats by means of point shear wave elastography (PSWE).

ANIMALS

18 client-owned adult (1- to 6-year-old) healthy cats.

PROCEDURES

Echogenicity and echotexture of the liver parenchyma were assessed by means of conventional B-mode ultrasonography. The shear wave velocity (Vs) of the right and left portions of the liver were measured by means of PSWE.

RESULTS

B-mode ultrasonography revealed no abnormalities in echotexture or echogenicity of the liver parenchyma in any cat. Mean (95% CI) Vs in the liver parenchyma was 1.46 m/s (1.36 to 1.55 m/s) for the right portion, 1.36 m/s (1.26 to 1.47 m/s) for the left portion, and 1.43 m/s (1.35 to 1.51 m/s) overall. The difference in mean Vs between the 2 portions of the liver was significant. No significant correlation was found between Vs and body weight or between Vs and the depth at which this variable was measured.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Quantitative PSWE of the liver was feasible in healthy adult cats. The obtained values for Vs may be useful for interpretation of and comparison with values measured in cats with liver disease. Additional research is needed to explore the potential usefulness of PSWE for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate stiffness of the liver parenchyma in healthy adult cats by means of point shear wave elastography (PSWE).

ANIMALS

18 client-owned adult (1- to 6-year-old) healthy cats.

PROCEDURES

Echogenicity and echotexture of the liver parenchyma were assessed by means of conventional B-mode ultrasonography. The shear wave velocity (Vs) of the right and left portions of the liver were measured by means of PSWE.

RESULTS

B-mode ultrasonography revealed no abnormalities in echotexture or echogenicity of the liver parenchyma in any cat. Mean (95% CI) Vs in the liver parenchyma was 1.46 m/s (1.36 to 1.55 m/s) for the right portion, 1.36 m/s (1.26 to 1.47 m/s) for the left portion, and 1.43 m/s (1.35 to 1.51 m/s) overall. The difference in mean Vs between the 2 portions of the liver was significant. No significant correlation was found between Vs and body weight or between Vs and the depth at which this variable was measured.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Quantitative PSWE of the liver was feasible in healthy adult cats. The obtained values for Vs may be useful for interpretation of and comparison with values measured in cats with liver disease. Additional research is needed to explore the potential usefulness of PSWE for diagnostic purposes.

Contributor Notes

Address correspondence to Dr. Mincheol Choi (mcchoi@snu.ac.kr).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Apr 2021
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