Work

Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Suspected Traumatic or Spontaneous Renal Injury in Cats: A Case Series

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is increasingly applied in veterinary medicine as a safe, rapid, and non-invasive imaging technique for assessing renal disorders. Despite its expanding use, the literature on its application in feline renal trauma remains scarce. This retrospective study aimed to describe CEUS findings in cats with suspected traumatic renal injuries. Medical records were reviewed for cats that underwent both B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS, with findings confirmed by follow-up, surgery, or cytology. Three cats met the inclusion criteria. Two presented focal or multifocal renal lesions ranging from 10 to 20 mm in diameter, with heterogeneous echotexture, distortion of renal contours, and non-enhancing areas on CEUS consistent with hematomas or lacerations. The third cat showed a circumferential subcapsular halo (approximately 3-5 mm thick) with evidence of contrast leakage, compatible with limited active hemorrhage. CEUS appeared effective in identifying and characterizing renal injuries, offering valuable information to support clinical decision-making and guide both conservative and surgical management. Nevertheless, due to the limited sample size and the absence of quantitative data, these results should be considered preliminary. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of CEUS in feline renal trauma.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15213089