Helical computed tomography - anatomy of the cat abdomen.

Computed tomography (CT) is a most valuable technique for the diagnosis of abdominal disorders. In veterinary medicine, x-ray and ultrasound are the imaging modalitys of choice for the abdomen, but CT can provide information that cannot be obtained by other means. One mature, female, domestic cat, 4 kg weight was used for this study. The cat was clinically healthy, with no abnormal findings at haematological and biochemical analysis. It was premedicated with 20 µg/kg medetomidine and 0.3mg/kg butorphanol IM. For induction of anaesthesia, 3 to 5 mg/kg propofol was administered IV. Anaesthesia was maintained with a mixture of isoflurane and oxygen. The patient was positioned in sternal recumbency. CT scans were performed with a helical CT scanner Hi Speed CT/e Dual; General Electric. Technical factors were 120 kVp and 50 mA settings, with 1 rotation/s. All sections were imaged with soft-tissue window. CT scans were performed after IV injection of iodinated contrast medium, iopamidol, 2 mL/kg. The images are presented cranialy to caudal progression from the 8th thoracic vertebra to the level of the pelvic inlet. Identifiable anatomical structures are labelled on the CT images. The stomach is left-sided with the gastric folds less numerous and thinner than those in the dogs. The normal small intestine contains less gas in cats. The feline cecum is very short. The liver showed a low attenuation with the mediastinum-vascular window settings, allowing better visualisation of the hepatic lobes and interlobular fissures. The gallbladder and bile ducts were also better visualised. CT imaging studies can provide additional information in patients with radiographic and ultrasonographic patterns of abdominal disorders, as a specialised imaging method, a useful preoperative technique and a precise staging tool. CT improves the image quality further and allows better timing of vascular phases. Helical CT angiography enables visualization of contrast-enhanced abdominal vessels using only a peripheral venous injection of iodinated contrast medium.