Polysplenia syndrome with duodenal and pancreatic dysplasia in a Holstein calf: a case report

Daisuke Kondoh,Hisashi Inokuma,Kaoru Hatate,Nobuo Kitamura,Motoki Sasaki,Norio Yamagishi,Tomomi Kawano,Tomoaki Kikuchi,Kenichi Watanabe

doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1213-2

Daisuke Kondoh, Hisashi Inokuma + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-1213-2

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Abstract

BackgroundLaterality disorders of the abdominal organs include situs inversus totalis that mirrors the arrangements of all internal organs and heterotaxy syndrome (situs ambiguus) in which the thoracic or abdominal organs are abnormally arranged. Heterotaxy is often accompanied by multiple congenital malformations, and it generally comprises asplenia and polysplenia syndromes. To our knowledge, polysplenia syndrome has been reported in only three cattle, and computerized tomographic (CT) images of these animals were not obtained.Case presentationA six-month-old Holstein heifer had ruminal tympani and right abdominal distension. CT imaging showed that the rumen occupied the right side of the abdominal cavity, the omasum and abomasum occupied the left ventral side and the liver was positioned on the left. The colon and cecum were located at the left dorsum of the cavity, and the left kidney was located more cranially than the right. Postmortem findings revealed two spleens attached to the rumen. Significantly, the duodenum was too short to be divided into segments, except the cranial and descending parts, or flexures, except the cranial flexure, and the pancreas, which lacked a left lobe, was covered with mesojejunum. The liver comprised a relatively large right lobe and a small left lobe without quadrate and caudate lobes. The caudal vena cava that connected to the left azygous vein passed irregularly through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm, and the common hepatic vein without the caudal vena cava passed through the caval foramen. Although the lungs and heart were morphologically normal, the right atrium received three major systemic veins. Polysplenia syndrome was diagnosed based on the CT and postmortem findings.ConclusionWe defined the positions of the abdominal organs and morphological abnormalities in various organs of a calf with polysplenia syndrome based on CT and postmortem findings. These findings will improve understanding of the malpositioning and malformations that can occur in the organs of cattle with polysplenia syndrome.

Highlights

Laterality disorders of the abdominal organs include situs inversus totalis that mirrors the arrangements of all internal organs and heterotaxy syndrome in which the thoracic or abdominal organs are abnormally arranged
We defined the positions of the abdominal organs and morphological abnormalities in various organs of a calf with polysplenia syndrome based on computerized tomographic (CT) and postmortem findings
These findings will improve understanding of the malpositioning and malformations that can occur in the organs of cattle with polysplenia syndrome

Summary

Conclusion

The present CT and postmortem findings of a calf with laterality disorders allowed a detailed study of the abdominal organ positions (Fig. 1b) as well as of morphological abnormalities in various abdominal organs and the cardiovascular system. Schematic comparison of abdominal organs between calf presented (A) and general cattle (B and C), in association with Fig. 1. 1–22, corresponding to Fig. 1; 23, right kidney; 24, spleen; 25, Grooves of rumen. Comparison of computerized tomography (CT) images between calf presented (A and C) and general cattle (B and D), in association with Fig. 2. Schematic comparison of digestive tracts between calf presented (A) and general cattle (B), in association with Fig. 3. Schematic comparison of organs surrounding pancreas between calf presented (A) and general cattle (B), in association with Fig. 5. 1– 13, corresponding to Fig. 3 (except 11, coalesced mesojejunum and mesocolon); 14–16, Body, right robe and left lobe of pancreas, respectively. Schematic comparison of organs surrounding pancreas between calf presented (A) and general cattle (B), in association with Fig. 5. 1– 13, corresponding to Fig. 3 (except 11, coalesced mesojejunum and mesocolon); 14–16, Body, right robe and left lobe of pancreas, respectively. (PDF 1156 kb)

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