Computed Tomography Angiography of Situs Inversus, Portosystemic Shunt and Multiple Vena Cava Anomalies in a Dog

Abstract

A 5-year-old Shih Tzu was presented with intermittent vomiting and anorexia. Microhepatica and reversed position of the abdominal organs were observed on radiography. Ultrasonographically, portosystemic shunt (PSS) was tentatively diagnosed. On computed tomography (CT), the distended portal vein drained into the left hepatic vein. The caudal vena cava (CdVC) splited postrenally and converged at the renal level. Cranial to this, the azygos continuation of the CdVC was confirmed. On thorax, persistent left cranial vena cava (CrVC) along with right CrVC was found. This is first report of dog with persistent left CrVC in accordance with multiple abdominal malformations. CT angiography was useful to evaluate the characteristics of each vascular anomaly and determine the surgical correction in this complex case.