Serial CT features of pulmonary leptospirosis in 10 dogs

Abstract

Leptospirosis pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome (LPHS) is a frequent manifestation of Leptospira infection in dogs and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Three helical 16-slice thoracic CT scans were performed in 10 dogs naturally infected with Leptospira, within 24 hours of admission, and three and seven days later. Patients were sedated and scanned without breathhold, with a protocol adapted for rapid scanning. One dog died of respiratory failure on the morning following the first scan. On the initial scan, imaging features of LPHS included ground-glass nodules (10/10), peribronchovascular interstitial thickening (10/10), diffuse or patchy ground-glass opacity (9/10), solid nodules (8/10) and consolidation (7/10). Temporary bronchiolar dilation was observed in all dogs in association with peribronchovascular interstitial thickening, which had completely resolved at day 7. Nodules were with few exceptions assigned to the centrilobular region. Regression of lesion severity was observed after each subsequent scan. Consolidation and solid nodules changed over time into lesions of ground-glass attenuation. Pleural effusion (3/10) and mediastinal effusion (2/10) were mild and transient. Lesion severity appeared unassociated with survival to discharge.

Increasing Incidence of Canine Leptospirosis in Switzerland

“…A role of model for the human disease may therefore be postulated and it may be useful for investigations into the pathogenesis and the therapy of uncommon or new manifestations such as the SPFL, for example [31,51]. …”

Evaluation of a new chest physiotherapy technique in dogs with airway fluid accumulation hospitalized in an intensive care unit

“…The present study also enrolled 2 dogs with leptospirosis in the intervention group. Pulmonary disease is common in dogs with leptospirosis and is associated with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhages, and fibrinosuppurative exudation resulting in increased airway fluid accumulation …”

European consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs and cats

“…Thoracic radiography might underestimate the lesion type and the severity in dogs with leptospirosis as compared with thoracic CT (Gendron et al . ).…”

“…In this small cohort of dogs, the severity of the pulmonary lesions was not associated with survival to discharge (Gendron et al . ).…”