Ultrasonographic liver nodules are more often benign lesions in dogs with hemoperitoneum secondary to splenic tumor rupture

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of preoperative abdominal ultrasonography as a staging tool for dogs with hemoperitoneum due to presumed splenic tumor rupture, focusing on the detection of metastatic lesions in the liver.

Animals: 99 dogs from 20 emergency and specialty hospitals across the US.

Methods: Dogs with nontraumatic hemoperitoneum secondary to splenic tumor rupture were included. A post hoc analysis was conducted on data from a nationwide prospective trial investigating novel treatments for canine hemangiosarcoma. The accuracy of preoperative staging was assessed by comparing ultrasonographic findings with intraoperative observations and histologic findings.

Results: On preoperative ultrasonography, there was a 20% incidence of liver lesions identified, with no association to liver lesions seen during operation. Notably, 22% of liver lesions observed during operation were missed on preoperative ultrasonography. The presence of liver lesions on preoperative ultrasonography was associated with a higher likelihood of a benign splenic tumor diagnosis. There was no association between the identification of liver lesions on preoperative ultrasonography and the presence of metastatic disease on liver biopsy, with a sensitivity and specificity of 19% and 82%, respectively. Additionally, ultrasound had low sensitivity in detecting intra-abdominal lesions beyond the liver and spleen, with 82% of these lesions missed preoperatively.

Clinical relevance: This study challenges conventional perceptions around the approach to staging in dogs with hemoperitoneum. These findings advocate for a reevaluation of the staging approach, with more comprehensive modalities like whole-body CT or MRI potentially being more warranted.

Keywords: benign nodules; hemangiosarcoma; hemoperitoneum; liver nodules; splenic mass.