Labeled cross-sectional anatomy of the feline thorax on CT

Labeled cross-sectional anatomy of the feline thorax on CT

Labeled cross-sectional anatomy of the feline thorax on CT


Introduction


Computed tomography (CT) of the feline thorax is indicated in many clinical situations: dyspnea, suspected thoracic mass, pulmonary or mediastinal disease, trauma, or staging of neoplastic disease, among others.


The anatomy of the thorax is complex, as this region includes numerous respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, musculoskeletal and nervous structures.


The aim of this module of the veterinary atlas vet-Anatomy is to present in detail the cross-sectional anatomy of the feline thorax based on computed tomography (CT) imaging, and to serve as a reference tool for veterinary imaging practitioners in the interpretation of thoracic CT.


Materials and methods


709 labeled CT images are available in 3 different planes (transverse, sagittal and dorsal) with three windowing settings (bones, lungs and soft tissues). Additional 3D volume-rendered images are provided at the end of the module, illustrating the trachea, bronchi and lungs of the thoracic cavity of the cat.


389 anatomical structures were labeled in accordance with the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (6th edition – 2017, International Committee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature – ICVGAN), and grouped into different categories:
 

  • Body parts
  • Regions
  • Bones: vertebral column, ribs, sternum, bones of thoracic limb, numbering of vertebrae and ribs
  • Joints
  • Muscles
  • Respiratory system: trachea, lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, lungs, interlobar fissures, lung lobes
  • Pleura
  • Mediastinum
  • Heart
  • Digestive system
  • Urogenital system
  • Arteries
  • Pulmonary arteries
  • Veins
  • Pulmonary veins
  • Lymphatic system: lymph nodes, lymphatic trunks and ducts, lymphoid organs
  • Spinal cord

This computed tomography with intravenous iodinated contrast was performed on a 15-year-old cat by Dr. Susanne AEB Boroffka, dipl. ECVDI, PhD (Utrecht, Netherlands).  It should be noted that the cat that underwent the CT scan has a liver nodule, and that a gas bubble is visible in the cranial vena cava.
The 3D renderings were created from the same CT by Dr. Antoine Micheau (Radiologist – Montpellier, France).


Labeling and anatomical definitions were created by Juliette Garnodier (veterinarian – Montpellier, France), under the supervision of Antoine Micheau (radiologist – Montpellier, France) and Denis Hoa (radiologist – Montpellier, France).


Images
 

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