Comparison of radiography and ultrasonography in the detection of lung and liver cysts in cattle and buffaloes

Abstract

Aim: Echinococcosis is the major cause of lung and liver cysts in ruminants. This study compared usefulness of radiography and ultrasonography (USG) in the detection of lung and/or liver cysts in sick bovine animals. The study also worked out cooccurrence of lung and liver cysts, and whether these cysts were primary cause of sickness or not.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 45 sick bovine (37 buffaloes and 8 cattle) suffering from lung and liver cysts. A complete history of illness and clinical examination was carried out. Lateral radiographs of chest and reticular region were taken. In radiographically positive or suspected cases of cysts, USG of the lung and liver region was done. Depending on the location of cyst and clinical manifestations of the animal, the cysts were categorized as primary or secondary causes of sickness.

Results: Using either imaging technique, it was observed that 46.7% of the animals had both lung and liver cysts, whereas 33.3% had only lung and 20% had only liver cyst. Cysts were identified as primary cause of sickness in 31.1% animals only. For diagnosing lung cysts, radiography (71.1%) and USG (62.2%) had similar diagnostic utility. However, for detecting liver cysts, USG was the only imaging tool.

Conclusion: The lung and liver cysts, depending on their number and size may be a primary cause of sickness in bovine. Radiography and USG are recommended, in combination, as screening tools to rule out echinococcosis.

Keywords: bovine; echinococcus cyst; liver; lung; radiography; ultrasound.

Figure-1

Lateral radiograph of the chest in cow showing round, discrete, single or multiples lesions of soft tissue radio-opacity in the lung region suggestive of cysts (C). Diaphragmatic line (D), reticulum (R).

Figure-2

Ultrasonographic image showing two encapsulated thin walled cavitary lesions (C) in the hepatic parenchyma in buffalo. Dorsal (D), ventral (V).

Figure-3

Ultrasonographic image showing cyst lesion (C) on the lung surface of buffalo. Dorsal (D), ventral (V).

Figure-4

Ultrasonographic image showing color Doppler mode to confirm cavitary lesions (C) from blood vessels (BV) in the hepatic parenchyma.

Figure-5

Lateral radiograph of chest showing severe diffuse nodular interstitial lung pattern suggestive of multiple cystic lesions in a cow.

Figure-6

Photograph showing multiple cyst lesions in lung of cow on necropsy.

Figure-7

Photograph showing germinal layer of cyst (C) wall in a buffalo confirming echinococcosis.

Figure-8

Microscopic photograph showing protoscoleces in the germinal layer of the cyst wall in a buffalo confirming echinococcosis (4×).

Figure-9

Radiograph showing massive cyst lesions (C) present near thoracic esophagus in a buffalo having persistent tympany.

Figure-10

Lateral radiograph showing cystic lesion (C) of soft tissue radiopacity, in the lung region. Metallic foreign bodies (arrow) are also seen in the reticulum (R).

Figure-11

Ultrasonographic image showing multiple cysts (C) extending on to the diaphragm, pleural cavity, and lungs in a buffalo. Dorsal (D), ventral (V).

Figure-12

Ultrasonographic image of liver showing round vena cava (VC) and dilated hepatic veins (HV). Dorsal (D), ventral (V).

Figure-13

Ultrasonographic image showing cyst lesions with thickened wall in liver. Dorsal (D), ventral (V).

Figure-14

Microscopic image of liver showing pressure atrophy of hepatic cords (H and E, 10×).

Figure-15

Ultrasonographic image of liver showing calcified cyst lesion (arrow) with prominent acoustic shadow. Portal vein (PV), vena cavae (VC).