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Biomedical subjects

P D Koblik

Publications and source records attributed to P D Koblik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Extradural spinal synovial cysts in nine dogs.

Nine dogs presenting for investigation of cervical or thoracolumbar myelopathies were diagnosed with extradural spinal synovial cysts. Degenerative disease affecting the articular facets or intervertebral discs was present on plain spinal radiographs in all cases. Myelography was consistent with dorsolateral, extradural spinal cord compression. Two groups of dogs were identified: (1) young, giant breed dogs with multiple cysts involving one or more levels of the cervical spinal cord; and (2) older, large breed dogs with solitary cysts involving the thoracolumbar spinal cord. The synovial cysts constituted the major compressive lesions in four of the dogs. Analysis of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated albuminocytological dissociation, consistent with chronic compressive myelopathy, in six dogs. All dogs underwent decompressive surgery and the diagnosis of synovial cysts was confirmed histologically. The mean follow-up period was 17 months (range four to 36 months). At the time of follow-up, all dogs were fully ambulatory with improved neurological function compared with that at initial presentation.

Animals↗

Primary canine and feline nervous system tumors: intraoperative diagnosis using the smear technique.

The recent application of neuroimaging techniques in veterinary neurology has led to the accurate localization of many types of intracranial lesions but has also created a clinical need, particularly with brain tumors, for a specific intraoperative diagnosis. For human brain tumors, a smear technique has been used successfully for many years to provide an extremely rapid, highly accurate intraoperative diagnosis. In similar smear preparations of intracranial lesions, obtained either by computed tomography (CT)-guided stereobiopsy or from a craniotomy, we have described distinguishing cytologic features of some primary spontaneous nervous system tumors in 80 dogs and 13 cats. A final diagnosis was confirmed by evaluation of paraffin-embedded sections from the same sample and, when appropriate, by immunocytochemical staining. Preliminary findings indicate that, in dogs and cats, this procedure is useful for rapid, accurate intraoperative diagnosis of many primary nervous system tumors. The distinguishing features of the canine and feline tumors bear a remarkably close resemblance to their human counterparts.

Animals↗

Prevalence of pituitary tumors among diabetic cats with insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of pituitary tumors, detectable by means of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, in cats with insulin resistance suspected to have acromegaly or hyperadrenocorticism versus cats with well-controlled diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 16 cats with insulin resistance that were also suspected to have acromegaly (n = 12) or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (4) and 8 cats with well-controlled diabetes mellitus. PROCEDURE: Computed tomography was performed on all 16 cats with insulin resistance and 2 cats in which diabetes mellitus was well-controlled. The remaining 6 cats in which diabetes mellitus was well-controlled underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Images were obtained before and immediately after i.v. administration of contrast medium. RESULTS: Computed tomography revealed a mass in the region of the pituitary gland in all 16 cats with insulin resistance. Maximum width of the masses ranged from 4.4 to 12.7 mm; maximum height ranged from 3.1 to 12.6 mm. Results of computed tomography performed on 2 cats with well-controlled diabetes and magnetic resonance imaging performed on the remaining 6 cats were considered normal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cats with insulin resistance suspected to have acromegaly or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism are likely to have a pituitary mass detectable by means of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Acromegaly↗

Clinical and pathologic features of oligodendrogliomas in two cats.

Two oligodendrogliomas in two domestic cats involved mainly the rostral brain stem, midbrain, fourth ventricle, and cerebellum. Both cats were aged neutered males presenting with clinical neurologic deficits suggestive of a brain stem lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging of both tumors demonstrated lesions with a pattern of heterogeneous contrast enhancement and multifocal lesions in one cat. Routine cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal in one cat and suggestive of an inflammatory disease in the other. Oligodendroglioma cells were seen in cytospin preparations of cerebrospinal fluid from both cats. In each cat, the tumors occurred intraventricularly in the midbrain and fourth ventricle with aggressive intraparenchymal infiltration. There was extensive growth into the basilar subarachnoid space of the midbrain and brain stem in one cat. One tumor was well differentiated, and the other was an anaplastic subtype. Immunostaining for several myelin- and oligodendroglia-specific antigens was negative with formalin-fixed tumors and with unfixed frozen samples from one cat. In both tumors, component cells of the intratumoral vascular proliferations were positive for human von Willebrand factor VIII antigen or smooth muscle actin. Immunocytochemical reactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein identified both reactive astrocytes and a subpopulation of minigemistocytes in both tumors. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells were unremarkable except for their prominent desmosomal junctions and paucity of microtubules.

Animals↗

Comparison of topical administration of clotrimazole through surgically placed versus nonsurgically placed catheters for treatment of nasal aspergillosis in dogs: 60 cases (1990-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical response to topical administration of clotrimazole in dogs with nasal aspergillosis, to compare effect of surgically placed versus nonsurgically placed catheters used for administration on outcome, and to examine whether subjective scoring of computed tomographic images can predict outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 60 dogs with nasal aspergillosis. PROCEDURE: Information including signalment, history, diagnostics, treatment method, and outcome was retrieved from medical records of dogs with nasal aspergillosis treated between 1990 and 1996 at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine or cooperating referral practices. Final outcome was determined by telephone conversations with owners and referring veterinarians. Images obtained before treatment were subjectively assessed to develop an algorithm for predicting outcome. RESULTS: Clotrimazole solution (1%) was infused during a 1-hour period via catheters surgically placed in the frontal sinus and nose (27 dogs) and via nonsurgically placed catheters in the nose (18). An additional 15 dogs received 2 to 4 infusions by either route. Topical administration of clotrimazole resulted in resolution of clinical disease in 65% of dogs after 1 treatment and 87% of dogs after one or more treatments. The scoring system correctly classified dogs with unfavorable and favorable responses 71 to 78% and 79 to 93% of the time, respectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Topical administration of clotrimazole, using either technique, was an effective treatment for nasal aspergillosis in dogs. Use of non-invasive intranasal infusion of clotrimazole eliminated the need for surgical trephination of frontal sinuses in many dogs and was associated with fewer complications.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Cobalt 60 irradiation of pituitary gland tumors in three cats with acromegaly.

Acromegaly was diagnosed in 3 cats with insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus (DM) on the basis of history and physical examination findings, which ruled out other causes of insulin-resistant DM, and by documenting high plasma concentrations of growth hormone. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the area of the pituitary gland in each cat. Pituitary gland tumors were irradiated with cobalt 60, and none of the cats developed complications to radiotherapy. Each cat received a total dose of 48 Gy of cobalt 60 during 12 treatments. After completion of radiotherapy, insulin requirements were less for all cats, although in 1 cat, this improvement was transient. Diabetes mellitus resolved in 2 of 3 cats. After treatment, decreases in insulin requirements correlated with decreases in plasma growth hormone concentrations in 2 of 3 cats in which DM resolved. On the basis of these findings, irradiation of pituitary gland tumors appears to be a treatment option for cats with acromegaly.

Acromegaly↗

Efficacy of cobalt 60 radiotherapy in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of cobalt 60 radiotherapy in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) that have detectable tumors but no neurologic abnormalities. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 6 dogs with PDH that had a detectable pituitary mass on magnetic resonance images. PROCEDURE: Radiation was delivered in 11 fractions during a 3.5-week period for a total dose of 44 Gy. Clinical signs were evaluated, a urinalysis and ACTH stimulation test were performed, and urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio and plasma endogenous ACTH concentration were measured before, immediately after, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after radiotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging was repeated 1 year after radiotherapy. RESULTS: Clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism resolved in 3 dogs but recurred in 2 of the 3. Clinical condition of 2 dogs improved but did not return to normal. One dog did not improve. Results of ACTH stimulation tests and urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratios correlated with clinical signs. Plasma endogenous ACTH concentration transiently decreased in all 6 dogs. One year after radiotherapy, size of tumors was decreased by 25% in 2 dogs; in the other 4 dogs, tumors could no longer be detected. None of the dogs developed neurologic abnormalities. Adverse effects of radiotherapy were mild. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Radiotherapy did not result in adequate control of clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism in 5 of 6 dogs, but size of pituitary tumors was dramatically reduced. Thus, it may be reasonable to recommend radiotherapy in dogs with PDH that have pituitary tumors for which greatest vertical height is 8 mm or more.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

Scintigraphic biodistribution and plasma kinetics of indium 111-labeled transferrin in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine plasma clearance kinetics and imaging biodistribution of indium 111-labeled transferrin (111In-TF) in dogs. ANIMALS: 7 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: After 30 minutes' incubation of 18.5 MBq (0.5 mCi) of 111InCl3 with 1 ml of serum (n = 3) or 1 ml of plasma (n = 4) at 37 C, dogs were given autologous 111In-TF i.v., and serial blood samples and right lateral and dorsal scintigraphic images were obtained immediately and 1, 3, 5, 9, 22, and 48 hours later. Blood and plasma clearance kinetics were determined from a least-squares, nonlinear fit of the sample radioactivity data. Blood radioactivity was compared with plasma radioactivity to determine the extent of cellular labeling. Imaging biodistribution was characterized by subjective and objective assessment of blood pool, liver, gastrointestinal (abdomen) tract, kidney, and bone marrow activity. RESULTS: 111In-TF plasma clearance was best described by a biexponential fit, with early and late clearance half-times of 6 and 49 hours, respectively. The 111In was not redistributed between transferrin (plasma proteins) and blood cells. Imaging studies documented progressive liver and bone marrow uptake of the 111In-TF over 48 hours. Some radioactivity was evident in the colon of 1 dog on 48-hour images. Decay-corrected count rates (counts/pixel/mCi/kg/min) within the abdominal region of interest increased over the 48-hour imaging period and exceeded the blood pool (cardiac) activity at 20 hours after injection. CONCLUSION: 111In-TF has a biexponential plasma clearance in clinically normal dogs, with early and late clearance half-time of 6 and 49 hours, respectively. Scintigraphically, 111In-TF localizes to sites of iron storage (bone marrow and liver) over time. Some loss of 111In-TF via the gastrointestinal tract may be seen on late 48-hour images. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 111In-TF appears to be a viable radiopharmaceutical for use in dogs, with specific application for identifying those with protein-losing enteropathy.

Animals↗

Transcolonic sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m scintigraphy for diagnosis of macrovascular portosystemic shunts in dogs, cats, and potbellied pigs: 176 cases (1988-1992).

Medical records of 176 animals that underwent transcolonic sodium pertechnetate Tc 99m scintigraphy between September 1988 and June 1992 were reviewed. The study included 162 dogs, 10 cats, and 4 potbellied pigs. Whenever possible, scan results were confirmed during exploratory surgery or necropsy. For animals that did not undergo surgery or necropsy, additional medical information, (ie, results of histologic examination of hepatic biopsy specimens, clinicopathologic testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and clinical outcome) was evaluated to estimate the likelihood that the scan interpretation was correct. Interpretations were classified as confirmed true, probable true, possible false, or unconfirmed results. Of the 97 scans interpreted as positive for portosystemic shunting, 85 were classified as confirmed true-positive results, 5 were classified as probable true-positive results, and 7 were classified as unconfirmed results. None were classified as confirmed or possible false-positive results. Of the 79 scans interpreted as negative for portosystemic shunting, 3 were classified as confirmed true-negative results, 54 were classified as probable true-negative results, 1 was classified as a possible false-negative result, and 21 were classified as unconfirmed results. Our results suggest that transcolonic pertechnetate scintigraphy has satisfactory performance as a diagnostic test for macrovascular portosystemic shunting.

Animals↗

Indirect computed tomography lymphography of subdiaphragmatic lymph nodes using iodinated nanoparticles in normal dogs.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the imaging characteristics of an iodinated particulate contrast agent for indirect computed tomography (CT) lymphography of normal subdiaphragmatic lymph nodes in dogs. METHODS: Four milliliters of a 15% (wt/vol) iodinated nanoparticle suspension was injected into the gastric, colonic, rectal, or cervical submucosa, loose paraprostatic fascia, or metatarsal subcutaneous tissues in 10 healthy beagles. Endoscopic, CT, or ultrasound guidance was used when necessary to facilitate contrast agent delivery. CT and radiographic images were obtained prior to contrast administration and at 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days postcontrast injection. Postmortem examinations were then conducted. RESULTS: CT images showed enhancement of regional lymph nodes draining the various injection sites. The mean attenuation of opacified nodes was 678 +/- 463 Hounsfield units 24 hr after injection and remained elevated 7 days later. Lymph node opacification on CT images correlated well with the node location observed on postmortem examinations. CONCLUSION: Subdiaphragmatic lymph nodes can be effectively opacified using an iodinated nanoparticle contrast agent for indirect CT lymphography.

Abdomen↗

Use of technetium-99m sulfur colloid to evaluate changes in reticuloendothelial function in dogs with experimentally induced chronic biliary cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting.

Technetium-99m sulfur colloid scintigraphy was used to study alterations of reticuloendothelial function in 7 dogs with experimentally induced biliary cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting. Scintigraphic studies were performed before and 6 weeks after common bile duct ligation. Radiocolloid plasma clearance rate was determined by measuring activity in plasma samples and by analyzing the rate of liver uptake on dynamic scintigraphic image sequences. Percentage of uptake in the liver, spleen, and lungs, as well as the ratio of hepatic-to-extrahepatic uptake, was determined from static equilibrium images. Relative to preoperative values, there were significant decreases in plasma clearance rate, percentage of liver uptake, and ratio of hepatic-to-extrahepatic uptake and significant increases in percentage of spleen and lung uptake on postoperative studies. The mechanism of technetium-99m-labeled sulfur colloid extraction by the liver is different from that of other radiocolloids; it does not require active phagocytosis or pinocytosis. Thus, liver uptake of this tracer principally reflects effective liver blood flow. Portosystemic shunting was documented in these dogs at the time of the postoperative radiocolloid scans, and we believed was responsible for the decrease in liver reticuloendothelial activity. Possible mechanisms for the increased splenic and pulmonary reticuloendothelial activities are discussed.

Animals↗

Use of transcolonic portal scintigraphy to monitor blood flow and progressive postoperative attenuation of partially ligated single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs.

Transcolonic portal scintigraphy was used to evaluate immediate and long-term changes in shunt blood flow after partial ligation of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 8 dogs. Scintigraphy was performed before surgery, within the first 7 days after surgery, and 3 to 9 months after surgery. Shunt fraction values for this group of dogs before surgery ranged from 67 to 87% (normal reference range, < or = 15%). On the basis of postoperative scintigraphy, 4 dogs had immediate and lasting occlusion of shunt blood flow (shunt fraction, < or = 15%). One dog had a shunt fraction value within the reference range immediately after surgery, had evidence of recurrent shunt blood flow (shunt fraction, 23%) at 3 months after surgery, and again had a shunt fraction value within the reference range 9 months after surgery. Persistent, though reduced, shunt blood flow (shunt fractions, 23 and 27%) was evident immediately after surgery in 2 dogs. One of these dogs had a shunt fraction within the reference range 3 months after surgery, whereas shunt blood flow in the other dog had increased to 41%. One dog had no appreciable change in shunt blood flow immediately after surgery (shunt fraction, 70%), but the shunt fraction value had decreased to 41% at the time of the final scintigraphic examination. As assessed by transcolonic portal scintigraphy, partial single extrahepatic portosystemic ligation caused a significant decrease in mean shunt blood flow in this group of 8 dogs and resulted in eventual shunt occlusion in a majority of the dogs (6 of 8 dogs).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

99mTc-pertechnetate imaging of thyroid tumors in dogs: 29 cases (1980-1992).

Thyroid gland scintigraphy was performed in 29 dogs with histologically confirmed thyroid tumors. Twenty dogs were female, and 9 were male. Median age was 10 years. Of the 29 dogs, 21 were initially examined because of cervical swelling or a cervical mass. Of the 29 tumors, 24 were thyroid adenocarcinomas, 1 was a C-cell carcinoma, 3 were undifferentiated carcinomas, and 1 was a thyroid adenoma. Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations were determined in 25 dogs. Sixteen dogs were euthyroid, 6 were hyperthyroid, and 3 were hypothyroid. In all 29 dogs, results of scintigraphy were abnormal. The most common scintigraphic appearance (13 dogs) was a unilateral thyroid mass with increased radionuclide uptake, relative to that of the parotid salivary glands. There did not appear to be an association between distribution of radionuclide uptake and histologic diagnosis, although there appeared to be an association between distribution of uptake and histologic degree of capsular invasion. All 4 dogs with extensive capsular invasion and 11 of 17 dogs with limited capsular invasion had poorly circumscribed, heterogeneous uptake of pertechnetate by the tumor. All hyperthyroid dogs had intense uptake, and 5 of 6 hyperthyroid dogs had well-circumscribed, homogenous uptake. Scintigraphy did not appear to offer any additional benefit, compared with thoracic radiography, for detection of pulmonary metastases.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Iodinated nanoparticles for indirect computed tomography lymphography of the craniocervical and thoracic lymph nodes in normal dogs.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the imaging characteristics of an interstitially or intraperitoneally delivered iodinated particulate contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) lymphography of the craniocervical and thoracic lymph nodes. METHODS: We injected 2-4 ml of 15% wt/vol iodinated nanoparticle suspension subcutaneously, submucosally, or intraperitoneally in eight normal dogs. CT and plain radiographic images were obtained prior to contrast administration and 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days after injection. Correlation was made to detailed postmortem assessment. RESULTS: CT images showed enhancement of regional nodes draining injection sites. Mean attenuation of opacified nodes was 313 +/- 297 (mean +/- standard deviation), 536 +/- 453, and 492 +/- 372 Hounsfield units at 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days postinjection, respectively. Lymph node opacification on CT images correlated well with node location found at postmortem. CONCLUSION: Craniocervical and thoracic lymph nodes can be effectively opacified from interstitial or intraperitoneal delivery of this iodinated nanoparticulate contrast agent.

Animals↗

Short echo time magnetic resonance imaging of tendon.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Current clinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies provide almost no useful signal from normal tendon and have no clear advantage over other imaging modalities in the evaluation of tendon injuries. The authors believe that tendon MR signal may be T2-limited, and, if so, could be enhanced by short echo time (TE) pulse sequences. The relationship of tendon signal intensity and tendon infrastructure conspicuity to TE was assessed at three different field strengths. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed on samples of normal equine tendon at 3 different field strengths with spin-echo or gradient-recalled-echo sequences of varying TE. Tendon signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were determined for each study and images were evaluated for visual evidence of tendon infrastructure. RESULTS: Tendon SNR demonstrated a strong inverse relationship to TE at each field strength. Signal-to-noise ratio values of 10 to 40 were achieved on the shortest TE studies (TE < 3 msec). Tendon infrastructure could be visualized and was primarily dependent on in-plane resolution and to a lesser extent on SNR. CONCLUSIONS: Short echo time MR imaging enhances tendon signal. Under optimal imaging conditions, tendon infrastructure can be evaluated. As high-performance gradient coil systems become available for clinical imaging systems, the authors believe similar results will be achievable on routine diagnostic studies and foresee an expanding role for MRI in the evaluation of tendon disease.

Animals↗

Radiographic/morphologic investigation of a radiolucent crescent within the flexor central eminence of the navicular bone in thoroughbreds.

The source of a previously described radiolucent crescent in the flexor cortex of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone on the palmaro45 degrees proximal-palmarodistal oblique (Pa45 degrees Pr-PaDio) clinical radiographic projection was investigated in 48 forelimb navicular bones from 24 Thoroughbreds by use of high-detail radiography and x-ray computed tomography (CT). Twenty-five of these bones also were evaluated, using microradiography and histologic examinations. Of these 25 bones, 5 had been labeled in vivo with fluorochrome markers. Tetrachrome-stained 100-microns-thick nondecalcified sections of these 5 bones were examined, using epifluorescence microscopy. A reinforcement line of compacted cancellous bone, parallel and several millimeters deep to the flexor cortex in the region of the flexor central eminence, was visualized by CT in 42 of 48 navicular bones and by microradiography in 23 of 25 navicular bones investigated. Variable degrees of compaction were observed in the cancellous bone between the flexor cortex and the reinforcement line. High-detail skyline radiographic projections and reconstructed CT images indicated a crescent-shaped lucency within the flexor central eminence of the flexor cortex in the bones in which the reinforcement line was identified, but the cancellous bone between the reinforcement line and the flexor cortex had not been compacted. The radiolucent crescent seen in the flexor central eminence of the navicular bone on the Pa45 degrees Pr-PaDiO projection was not caused by the concave defect or synovial fossa of the flexor central eminence overlying the flexor cortex, as was described.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗