Skip to main content

The Pleurae, Thoracic Wall, and Diaphragm

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Body MDCT in Small Animals

Abstract

The thoracic wall, pleurae, and diaphragm enclose the lung and are interconnected. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) examination usually encompasses all these thoracic structures and a standard protocol may be routinely adopted. CT scanning is excellent at detecting small amounts of both air and fluid and can often be used to identify the underlying intrathoracic causes. Thorough assessment of the pleura for minor changes, such as pleural tags, small nodules, or diffuse thickening, however, may require high-resolution computed tomography evaluation of the thorax. High-quality MDCT data can detect even slight pleural changes and minor structural changes in the diaphragm.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Further Readings

  • Ayres, C.J., Treharne, D.F. (1978) Eventration of the diaphragm in a Great Dane. Aust Vet Pract. ISSN: 0310-138X

    Google Scholar 

  • Dhein CR, Rawlings CA, Rosin E, Losonsky JM, Chambers JN. Esophageal hiatal hernia and eventration of the diaphragm with resultant gastroesophageal reflux. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 1980;16:517–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Echandi RL, Morandi F, Newman SJ, Holford A. Imaging diagnosis – canine mesothelioma. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2007;48:243–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson EG, Wisner ER, Kyles A, et al. Computed tomographic lymphography of the thoracic duct by mesenteric lymph node injection. Vet Surg. 2009;38:361–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones JC, Ober CP. Computed tomographic diagnosis of non-gastrointestinal foreign bodies in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2007;43(2):99–111.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim M, Lee H, Lee N, et al. Ultrasound-guided mesenteric lymph node iohexol injection for thoracic duct computed tomographic lymphography in cats. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2011;52(3):302–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim J, Kim S, Jo J, Lee S, Eom K. Radiographic and computed tomographic features of caval foramen hernias of the liver in 7 dogs: mimicking lung nodules. J Vet Med Sci. 2016;78(11):1693–7. doi:10.1292/jvms.16-0161.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kirkby KA, Bright RM, Owen HD. Paraoesophageal hiatal hernia and megaoesophagus in a three-week-old Alaskan malamute. J Small Anim Pract. 2005;46(8):402–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Millward IR, Kirberger RM, Thompson PN. Comparative popliteal and mesenteric computed tomography lymphangiography of the canine thoracic duct. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2011;52(3):295–301.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raj V, Kirke R, Bankart MJ, Entwisle JJ. Multidetector CT imaging of pleura: comparison of two contrast infusion protocols. Br J Radiol. 2011;84(1005):796–9. doi:10.1259/bjr/55980445.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Reetz JA, Buza EL, Krick EL. CT features of pleural masses and nodules. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2012;53(2):121–7. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01883.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schultz RM, Zwingenberger A. Radiographic, computed tomographic, and ultrasonographic findings with migrating intrathoracic grass awns in dogs and cats. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2008;49(3):249–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh A, Brisson B, Nykamp S. Idiopathic chylothorax: pathophysiology, diagnosis and thoracic duct imaging. Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2012;34(8):E2.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stillion JR, Letendre JA. A clinical review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pyothorax in dogs and cats. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2015;25(1):113–29. doi:10.1111/vec.12274. Epub 2015 Jan 13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swinbourne F, Baines EA, Baines SJ, et al. Computed tomographic findings in canine pyothorax and correlation with findings at exploratory thoracotomy. J Small Anim Pract. 2011;52:203–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vansteenkiste DP, Lee KC, Lamb CR. Computed tomographic findings in 44 dogs and 10 cats with grass seed foreign bodies. J Small Anim Pract. 2014;55(11):579–84. doi:10.1111/jsap.12278. Epub 2014 Oct 7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zoia A, Drigo M. Diagnostic value of Light’s criteria and albumin gradient in classifying the pathophysiology of pleural effusion formation in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2016;18(8):666–72. doi:10.1177/1098612X15592170. Epub 2015 Jun 26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zoia A, Drigo M, Caldin MA. new approach to pleural effusion in dogs: markers for distinguishing transudates from exudates. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25:1505.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giovanna Bertolini .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bertolini, G. (2017). The Pleurae, Thoracic Wall, and Diaphragm. In: Bertolini, G. (eds) Body MDCT in Small Animals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46904-1_15

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics