The aim of the study is to describe the ultrasound (US) findings associated to canine leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs from an endemic area. Thirty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania Infantum were enrolled. Morphologic changes of abdominal parenchymatous organs, including size, change in echogenicity and echo-texture and the presence of focal or diffused lesions were recorded. When possible the return to normal of US changes after treatment were monitored, in order to further confirm the association with the disease. The most common pathological findings were: spleen from mild to severely enlarged, hyperechogenicity of renal cortex and hepatomegaly. Interesting findings were: the honey-comb splenic parenchymal pattern (2 dogs), the cirrhotic/fibrotic aspect of the liver (2 dogs) and the abdominal lymphadenopathy in absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy (2 dogs). Focal macro nodular lesions in spleen and liver, as described in some human cases, were not registered. Results of this study suggest the ultrasonography could contribute to define the systemic involvement of dogs with leishmaniasis and to monitor the response to treatment. Canine leishmnaiasis need to be included in the differential diagnosis of the US honey-comb appearance of the spleen.
Abdominal Ultrasound Findings Associated with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Endemic Areas
Paradies Paola;Beatrice Greco;Daniela Romano;Mariateresa Sasanelli.
2018-01-01
Abstract
The aim of the study is to describe the ultrasound (US) findings associated to canine leishmaniasis (CVL) in dogs from an endemic area. Thirty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania Infantum were enrolled. Morphologic changes of abdominal parenchymatous organs, including size, change in echogenicity and echo-texture and the presence of focal or diffused lesions were recorded. When possible the return to normal of US changes after treatment were monitored, in order to further confirm the association with the disease. The most common pathological findings were: spleen from mild to severely enlarged, hyperechogenicity of renal cortex and hepatomegaly. Interesting findings were: the honey-comb splenic parenchymal pattern (2 dogs), the cirrhotic/fibrotic aspect of the liver (2 dogs) and the abdominal lymphadenopathy in absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy (2 dogs). Focal macro nodular lesions in spleen and liver, as described in some human cases, were not registered. Results of this study suggest the ultrasonography could contribute to define the systemic involvement of dogs with leishmaniasis and to monitor the response to treatment. Canine leishmnaiasis need to be included in the differential diagnosis of the US honey-comb appearance of the spleen.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
