Multi‐modality imaging characteristics of a surgically confirmed emphysematous torsion of papillary process of the caudate liver lobe and pneumoperitoneum in a dog

Abstract

A 7‐year‐old, female, spayed dog presented with a 1‐week history of vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound revealed bicavitary effusion, a large, gas‐cavitated, soft tissue mass in the region of the papillary process of the caudate lobe of the liver, with associated peritonitis and mild pneumoperitoneum. The location of the mass and gas cavitation were confirmed on computed tomography. The absence of vascular and parenchymal contrast enhancement and the distortion of the caudal vena cava was consistent with hilar torsion of the papillary process of the liver. The torsion was surgically confirmed and excised, and ischemic necrosis was histologically confirmed. The patient fully recovered following surgery.