Name
Rate of success of administration of intravenous contrast in reptile patients undergoing CT scanning
Speakers
Description
In reptiles, like in other veterinary species, computed tomography is one of the most comprehensive diagnostic imaging exams currently available. In order to unlock the full potential of CT scans, administration of intravenous contrast is used to highlight soft tissue organs in mammals. Currently, some institutions are using intraosseous contrast administration rather than intravenous contrast administration, with potential side effects shown in a recent study. The objective of our study is to determine the rate of success of administration of intravenous contrast in reptile patients undergoing CT scanning and evaluate proper timing for acquisition of contrast images. All CT scans performed in reptile patients at [redacted] from June 15 2022 were extracted. For each CT scan, it was determined whether contrast administration was desired or not, and CT scans in which contrast administration was not desired were excluded from further analysis. Of the CT scans in which contrast administration was desired, the success of contrast administration was determined via measurement of Hounsfield units before and after contrast administration. Timing of CT scanning after contrast administration was also recorded. Results of this study show a relatively high success rate in administration of intravenous contrast in reptile patients undergoing CT scanning. Extravasation of contrast was occasionally noted, including pooling of contrast around the injection site or accidental coelomography in one case. Compared to mammals, contrast distribution is slower and delayed CT scanning up to 10 minutes after contrast administration may be warranted.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)