Three-dimensional multislice helical computed tomography techniques for canine extra-hepatic portosystemic shunt assessment

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) multislice computed tomography (CT) angiography with maximum intensity projection (MIP) and volume rendering (VR) in six dogs with clinical and sonographic findings suggestive of portosystemic shunt. Furthermore, we aimed to estimate the diameter of the portal vein and shunt vessels. MIP and VR reconstructions were performed for each patient and the origin and insertion of all shunt vessels were detected. In addition, 3D reconstructions allowed excellent depiction of vascular morphology and topography. All diagnoses and vessel measurements were confirmed by surgery. 3D multidetector CT angiography is a promising, noninvasive, and accurate method of evaluating dogs with suspected portosystemic shunts.