Comparison of results of computed tomography and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes in dogs with primary lung tumors: 14 cases (1999–2002)

Melissa C. Paoloni Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

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William M. Adams Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

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Richard R. Dubielzig Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

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Ilene Kurzman Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.
MacEwen Center for Clinical Trials and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

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David M. Vail Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

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Robert J. Hardie Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.11.1718
Volume/Issue:
Volume 228: Issue 11
Online Publication Date:
01 Jun 2006
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Abstract

Objective—To compare results of computed tomography (CT) and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs) in dogs with primary lung tumors.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—14 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—Criteria for inclusion were diagnosis of primary lung tumor, use of thoracic radiography and CT, and histologic confirmation of TBLN status. Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; and physical examination, clinicopathologic, radiographic, CT, surgical, and histopathologic findings.

Results—Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was not identified via radiography in any dogs. Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in 5 dogs via CT. Six dogs had histologic confirmation of metastasis to TBLNs. Radiographic diagnosis yielded 6 false-negative and no false-positive results for tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography yielded 1 falsenegative and no false-positive results. Sensitivity of CT for correctly assessing TBLN status was 83%, and specificity was 100%. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 89%. Dogs with lymphadenopathy via CT, histologic confirmation of TBLN metastasis, or primary tumors with a histologic grade > 1 had significantly shorter survival times than their counterparts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of CT evaluation of TBLN status were in agreement with histopathologic findings and more accurate than use of thoracic radiography for evaluating TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors. Computed tomography imaging should be considered as part of the staging process to more accurately assess the TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors.

Abstract

Objective—To compare results of computed tomography (CT) and radiography with histopathologic findings in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs) in dogs with primary lung tumors.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—14 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—Criteria for inclusion were diagnosis of primary lung tumor, use of thoracic radiography and CT, and histologic confirmation of TBLN status. Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; and physical examination, clinicopathologic, radiographic, CT, surgical, and histopathologic findings.

Results—Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was not identified via radiography in any dogs. Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in 5 dogs via CT. Six dogs had histologic confirmation of metastasis to TBLNs. Radiographic diagnosis yielded 6 false-negative and no false-positive results for tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography yielded 1 falsenegative and no false-positive results. Sensitivity of CT for correctly assessing TBLN status was 83%, and specificity was 100%. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 89%. Dogs with lymphadenopathy via CT, histologic confirmation of TBLN metastasis, or primary tumors with a histologic grade > 1 had significantly shorter survival times than their counterparts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of CT evaluation of TBLN status were in agreement with histopathologic findings and more accurate than use of thoracic radiography for evaluating TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors. Computed tomography imaging should be considered as part of the staging process to more accurately assess the TBLNs in dogs with primary lung tumors.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Paoloni's present address is The Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9610 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD 20850.

Dr. Vail's present address is The Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

Presented at the 22nd Annual Veterinary Cancer Society Meeting, New York, September 2002 and the 13th International Veterinary Radiology Association Congress, Midrand, South Africa, August 2003.

Address correspondence to Dr. Paoloni.
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Date:
01 Jun 2006
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