Left Cranial Lobe Research Articles

Choosing the optimal combination of lungs lobe evaluation during focused pulmonary ultrasonography in calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) poses significant challenges on beef and dairy farms, impacting mortality rates, animal welfare, and production efficiency. Although pulmonary ultrasonography is highly sensitive and specific for monitoring lung lesions and diagnosing BRD, its practical application could be optimized by focusing on the most commonly affected lung lobes. This study first evaluated the efficacy of focused lung ultrasonography for diagnosing BRD in calves, examining individual lung lobes and their associations versus the extensive lung scanning under various disease prevalence scenarios. Then, the relationship between individual and combined clinical respiratory signs vs lung consolidation was analyzed. In a combined analysis, 193 Holstein calves from a longitudinal study and 112 Angus calves from a cross-sectional study underwent a total of 1265 complete bilateral thoracic ultrasonographic evaluations from 1 to 6 mo of age. Then, it was assessed the agreement and sensitivity of specific lung lobe combinations compared with the findings from total lung ultrasonography. The Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm was used to suggest an optimal examination sequence, and logistic regression was applied to associate specific clinical signs with the presence of lung consolidation adjusting for breed and calf age. Findings reveal that the most sensitive areas are cranial (K: 0.867; Se: 84.7%) and the caudal (K: 0.433; Se: 40.3%) portions of the right cranial lobe, the caudal portion (K: 0.235; Se: 20.6%) of the left cranial lobe, and the middle lobe (K: 0.25; Se: 22%). The optimal lobe combinations for focused lung ultrasonography were identified as the right cranial lobe paired with either the left cranial lobe or the middle lobe. Focused techniques achieved sensitivity over 94% and maintained good agreement. Using these focused techniques were relatively robust to various true lung consolidation scenarios. CART analysis recommended initiating examinations with the right cranial lobe, proceeding to the left cranial lobe, and concluding with the middle lobe. While spontaneous cough was linked to pneumonia presence, reliance on a single clinical sign is not advised due to low sensitivity (26.8%) and high specificity (85.4%); it should merely prompt further ultrasound assessment. In conclusion, focused lung ultrasonography, especially utilizing the right cranial lobe in conjunction with the left cranial lobe or the middle lobe, emerged as effective strategies for focused pulmonary ultrasonography, preserving the accuracy of the results.

Resorbable self-locking device for canine lung lobectomy: A clinical and experimental study.

To test the feasibility of a resorbable self-locking device for sealing of lung tissue in lung lobectomy in experimental dogs and dogs with pulmonary mass, and to study its resorption with CT. Experimental study and clinical case series. Five beagles in the experimental group; six canine patients with a pulmonary mass in the clinical group. In both groups, an intercostal incision into thorax was performed. A resorbable self-locking device, LigaTie, was applied at the hilum of left cranial lobe in the experimental group and the affected lobe in the clinical group. Each lobe was removed by cutting the tissue just distal to the device. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was used in the experimental group; postoperative diagnostic imaging was repeated monthly until the device was not apparent on CT. Application of LigaTie was feasible for lung lobectomy in all dogs. The device enabled en bloc ligation of the hilum of the affected lobe including the pulmonary arteries and veins and lobular bronchus. No air leakage from the resection stump was observed in any dog. Trace of the device on CT images gradually decreased and was undetectable at 4months postoperatively in experimental dogs. This study suggested that the resorbable self-locking device may be used for sealing of airways in complete lung lobectomy. The resorbable self-locking device is suggested to be useful for canine lung lobectomy and may facilitate thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. Further investigations on its clinical application in small animal surgery are warranted.

Endosurgery Approach in a Dog with Thoracoabdominal Injury

Background: Chest trauma is one of the main thoracic injuries in dogs and cats, reaching a high morbidity and mortality. The tissue damage, in thoracic trauma, can be underappreciated by visual exam and traditional radiography. The thoracoscopy can provide information for a precise definitive diagnosis, by this technique bleeding or air leakage can be identified and corrected immediately and the diaphragm can be completely evaluated. The aim of this work was to describe the thoracoscopic approach in a case of diaphragmatic perforation caused by penetrating trauma in a dog.Case:A 6-year-old male dog mixed-breed dog, weighing 14 kg with thorax perforation was presented to the Veterinary Hospital. Clinical examination of the animal revealed the following: pale mucous membranes, moderate dyspnea, open pneumothorax, abdominal distension, heart rate of 108 beats per minute and respiratory rate of 64 breaths per minute. Physical examination confirmed a 3 cm perforation hemorrhagic lesion in the left ninth intercostal space. As an emergency treatment, oxygen therapy, tramadol hydrochloride [Cronidor® 2%, 4 mg/kg, i.v, TID], tranexamic acid [Transamin® 25 mg/kg, i.v, TID], ceftriaxone [Rocefin® 50 mg/kg, i.v, BID] and fluid therapy with lactated Ringer’s solution were administered. The hair was removed, and then, wound cleaning and obliteration of the wall injury with sterile gauze was performed. After the emergency stabilization, the animal was anesthetized, followed by preventive thoracocentesis by an approach close to thoracic perforation and thoracoscopy without pneumoperitonea through this thoracic perforation with 0-degree rigid endoscope. About 100 mL of blood and air was drained and diagnosed perforation in the diaphragm and pulmonary atelectasis in the caudal and left cranial lobes. the edges of the incisional wound were debrided, and the closure of thoracic incision was performed usual way. After that, the air was removed by a catheter and syringe system. A flexible plastic tube was inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space for drainage every 2 h for 24 h. There were no intercurrences during the first 24 h after the surgical procedure. The patient was discharged 48 h after the surgery. Cephalexin [75 mg, 30 mg/kg, v.o, TID, during 5 days), Ketoprofen [20 mg, 2 mg/kg, v.o, SID, during 5 days], Tramadol Hydrochloride [50 mg, 4 mg/kg, v.o, SID, during 2 days] and Rifamycin spray at the wound site was prescribed. Ten days after surgery, the patient returned to the hospital for suture removal and reassessment.Discussion: The prognosis of chest perforation depends on the severity and number of internal and external thoracic lesions, as well as cardiovascular status at the time of initial patient care. In cases of penetrating chest trauma, it is essential to thoroughly examine the thoracic cavity for bleeding, tissue tears, and diaphragm perforation. The use of the endoscope allowed for a more detailed exploration of the chest without the need to increase the incision. When the diaphragm lesion was found, it was also possible to perform the abdominal examination by videoendoscopy, through this perforation. Laparotomy and thoracotomy cause postoperative pain and discomfort, in addition to increasing recovery time, however, even with trauma, not performing a larger incision favored the recovery of this patient, without any intercurrence in the first 24 h after the procedure. In conclusion, the endoscopic approach was efficient for diagnosis, avoiding greater trauma and contributing to a better clinical recovery of the patient.Keywords: dog, chest trauma, minimally invasive surgery, thoracocentesis, thoracoscopy.

Primary Solid Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma in a dog

Background: In veterinary medicine, although primary lung tumors are rare compared to metastatic malignant neoplasms, an increase in the number of primary lung tumors in dogs has been reported in the past decades. Consequently, identifying epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features of these neoplasms is essential for early and precise diagnosis. This paper aimed to report a case of a non-metastatic primary solid pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a dog and review the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical aspects of this neoplasm.Case: An 8-year-old female Cocker Spaniel was admitted to the Small Animals Veterinary Hospital of the Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) with a history of progressive weight loss and clinical dyspnea. Physical examination revealed the following: body temperature, 38.7ºC; capillary refill time, one second; heart rate, 104 beats/min; respiratory rate, 40 breaths/min; pallor mucosa; blood glucose, 133 mg/dL; and body score, 2 (1-9). A thoracic radiograph revealed a diffuse radiopaque pattern of the pulmonary parenchyma, pleural effusion, and a large mass that extended through both hemithoraces. An ultrasound-guided cytological examination was performed and displayed moderate cellularity in a bloody background. Cells presented distinct cell borders, large bluish cytoplasm, round hyperchromatic or vesicular nuclei, and evident nucleoli. Three months after the first clinical consultation, the dog’s state kept deteriorating and the owner opted for the euthanasia. Autopsy of the lungs showed multiple, poorly defined, coalescent nodules with an average size of 20.0×15.0×10.0 cm. The nodules occupied roughly 70% of the pulmonary parenchyma, including right and left cranial lobes, medium lobe, and a large portion of the caudal lobe. The cross-sections of the tumors were multinodular, soft, and white. Cystic areas filled with bloody exudates were also found within the tumor. Representative tissue samples were fixed in 10% formalin, processed routinely, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Fragments from the lung tumor were submitted for immunohistochemistry evaluation with primary antibodies anti-CK pan, anti-CK7, anti-CK20, anti-vimentin, TTF-1, CD56, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed a dense and solid monomorphic epithelial neoplastic proliferation supported by a thin and scant fibrovascular stroma. Cells presented distinct cell borders, a slightly granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, hyperchromatic, round, and vesicular nuclei, evident nucleoli, and numerous mitoses. Necrotic areas were also observed scattered in the tumor. Immunohistochemically the cells expressed CK pan and CK7 but failed to express immunoreactivity to vimentin, CK20, TTF-1, CD56, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. The morphological and immunohistochemical features were consistent with a primary lung tumor, and hence, classified as a solid adenocarcinoma.Discussion: The solid pattern of primary lung adenocarcinomas is uncommon in domestic animals. Assessment of morphological features and immunohistochemical evaluation are essential for the definitive diagnosis of primary pulmonary neoplasms. Due to the increased number of primary pulmonary tumors reported in dogs in the last few decades, primary pulmonary neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary masses, especially when there is no evidence of tumors elsewhere in the body.

Morphometric evaluation of gross pulmonary indices in the Red Sokoto goats for pulmonary consolidation assessment

This study determined the gross morphometry and dimensions of the Red Sokoto goat (RSG) lungs, which may serve as basis for clinical and radiographic assessment of pulmonary consolidation. Seventy non-pneumonic RSG lungs were sampled comprising 44 males and 16 females, 12 of 2 years. Weight (gram), length (cm), and diameter (cm) of each lung lobe, distance from the tracheo-bronchus to the point of trachea bifurcation, and distance between left and right trachea bifurcation were taken using standard methods. The data were compared using Student’s t test and ANOVA at α = 0.05. The right lung contributed the most (61.67%) while the left lung contributed the least in weight (38.32%). Of the 61.67% by the right lung, the caudal lobe contributes 38.9% while the cranial (14.71%), middle (5.83%), and accessory (1.53%) lobes make up the rest. The percentage contribution of the right lung lobes increased with age except for the accessory lobe which decreased. The percentage contribution of the left lung lobes decreased with increasing age except for the middle lobe. The right cranial lobe is longer and wider than the left cranial lobe. The males have higher lung weight and dimensions than females except that the values of the right lung, the caudal lobe of the right lung, and the middle lobe of the left lung were higher in females than in males. In conclusion, this study established the morphometric and percentage contribution of each lung lobe in relation to the age and sex of the RSG. These parameters will aid diagnosis of lung disease and assessment of pulmonary consolidation at postmortem in a poor resource setting.

Morphometric Evaluation of Gross Pulmonary Indices in the Red Sokoto Goats for Pulmonary Consolidation Assessment

Goats are widely adapted to different climates and are found in all production systems. However, very little is known on the pulmonary morphometry of indigenous goats in Africa. The study aims to determine the standard morphometry and dimensions of the Red Sokoto RS goat lungs, which may serve as basis for clinical and radiographic assessment of pulmonary consolidation. The goats were sourced from a Municipal abattoir considering age and sex. A total of 35 non‐pneumonic RS lungs were collected including 22 males and 8 females, 6 between <1 years, 15 between 1–2 years and 9 > 2 years. Weight (gram), length (cm) and diameter (cm) of each lung lobe, distance from trachea bronchus to point of trachea bifurcation, distance between left and right trachea bifurcation were taken using standard measurements. The right lung contributes the most (61.67%) while the left lung contributes the least weight (38.32%). Of the 61.67% contributed by the right lung, the caudal lobe contributes 38.9% while the cranial (14.71%), middle (5.83%) and accessory (1.53%) lobes makes up the remaining. It was also discovered that the caudal lobe of the right lung contributes more than the left lung. The percentage contribution of right lung lobes increased with increase in age except for the accessory lobe which decreased with increasing age. The percentage contribution of the left lung lobes decreased with increasing age except for the middle lobe which was increasing with age. The right lung is longer (6.70±0.57) than the left lung (13.40±0.82). The right cranial lobe is longer and wider than the left cranial lobe. The right middle lobe is insignificantly longer (1.20±0.57) than the left (1.10±0.22) but significantly less wide (6.7±0.57) than the left (7.72±1.14). The right caudal lobe is longer (8.76±0.25) than the left (8.50±0.50) but less wider (4.86±0.20) than the left (5.5±0.61). The males have higher weight and dimensions than females except that the values of the right lung, the caudal lobe of the right lung and the middle lobe of the left lung are higher in females than in males. In conclusion, this study established the standard as regarding the normal size of each lung lobe and lobule in relation to the age and sex of the RS goat. These parameters will aid diagnosis of lung disease and assessment of pulmonary consolidation at postmortem in a poor resource setting.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The distributive and structural characteristics of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus).

BackgroundBronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), distributed in the bronchial mucosa, plays a critical role in maintaining the mucosal immune homeostasis of the lower respiratory tract. The bronchial tree is a functional structure for gas exchange with the outside environment and maintains basic lung morphology.MethodsTo explore the structural and distributive characteristics of BALT in Bactrian camels, twelve healthy adult Bactrian camels were divided into two groups (six in each group). The lungs, bronchial tree and BALT were observed and analysed systematically through anatomical and histological methods.ResultsThe results showed that Bactrian camel lungs were constituted by the left cranial lobe, left caudal lobe, right cranial lobe, right caudal lobe and accessory lobe, but lacked the middle lobe. The cranial lobe was narrow and small, the caudal lobe was extremely developed (almost four times the cranial lobe in size), and the accessory lobe was smaller than the cranial lobe; the bronchial tree, an unequal dichotomy with a tracheobronchial branch, was composed of dorsal, ventral, lateral and medial bronchiole systems. Isolated lymphoid follicles (the chief type) and aggregates of lymphoid follicles revealed two types of BALT, and germinal centres, follicle-associated epithelium and high endothelial venules could be observed in some well-developed BALT. Additionally, BALT was scattered along the bronchial tree in the entire lung, and the density increased from the trachea to the lower graded branches (densest in the bronchioles) and then decreased, with the occasional location around respiratory bronchioles or among the pulmonary mesenchyme. In the conducting portion, BALT was primarily located in the mucosa lamina propria but was also found in the submucosa, under the muscular layer, and around the submucosal glands and cartilage.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that the lung morphology of Bactrian camels was similar to that of horses, but the bronchial branches were more closely related to those of ruminants. These characteristics were in accordance with the morphological and structural variation regularity of lungs with species evolution. BALT was mainly scattered in the conducting portion, and bronchioles, as the final “checkpoint” in the surveillance, capture and recognition of antigens before pulmonary exchange, were the pivotal locational position of BALT. However, BALT at different depths of the bronchial wall of the conducting portion might be at different developmental stages. Our study provided evidence for further insight into the mucosal immunomodulatory mechanism of BALT in the respiratory system of Bactrian camels.

Swine model for training surgeons in minimally invasive anatomic lung segmentectomy.

Despite the increasing demand for thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy, the appropriate training method is not well established. Therefore, we developed a swine model for anatomical thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy training. Three-month-old pigs, weighing 40 to 45 kg, were used in this model. Anterior segmentectomy of the left cranial lobe and segmentectomy of the most anterior left caudal lobe were performed under general anesthesia and differential ventilation. Participants from several institutions participated in this program, which included training lectures and surgical skill drills. From 2010 to 2015, 33 pigs were used for the lung segmentectomy training with 51 trainees. Eight pigs were operated on using the hybrid approach, and 25 pigs were operated on using the complete thoracoscopic approach. Among 25 pigs in which the complete thoracoscopic approach was used, conversion to thoracotomy was required in 3 pigs, owing to hemorrhage in two and failure of differential ventilation in one. The no-touch method in supine position provided sufficient intersegmental delineation of 20 (76%) planes among 26 left anterior segmentectomies in the cranial lobe. Our live swine model of anatomical thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy is considered a good choice for training surgeons on how to perform minimally invasive lung segmentectomy in humans.

Pulmonary lobe eventration in a dog: case report

A mixed breed dog, six years old was referred, after an episode of thoracic trauma bite, with posterior swelling in the thoracic region, to perform chest radiographs due to dry cough after physical exertion or dorsal position. Through radiographs, pulmonary protrusion through the fifth left intercostal space was observed. Thoracotomy and resection of cranial portion of the left cranial pulmonary lobe and eventration repair were performed. Postoperative chest radiographs confirmed the normal expansion of the remaining left cranial lobe. The intercostal eventration should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of increased thoracic volume and episodes of trauma.

Imaging Findings of Pneumothorax Caused by Bronchial Cartilage Hypoplasia in a Dog

A 10-year-old, castrated poodle dog presented with a cough for 2 weeks, and the cough initially developed since very young age. On radiographs, pneumothorax was noticed by characteristics of radiolucent area without pulmonary markings along the thoracic wall and diaphragm, retracted lung lobes from the thoracic wall and severely decreased volume of the left cranial lung lobe with disconnected bronchus. Computed tomography (CT) findings identified several pulmonary air-filled cysts and collapsed lung with abnormal shape and non-tapered end of bronchus, bronchioles at the accessory lobe and left cranial lobe. Also, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema were found. Imaging diagnosis was the spontaneous pneumothorax caused by ruptured emphysematous bullae associated with congenital bronchial cartilage abnormality or bronchial tree malformation. On surgery, hypoplasia of the left cranial lobe, right middle lobe, and accessory lobe with a bulla where air was leaking was identified. The accessory lobe was partially resected and bronchial cartilage hypoplasia was confirmed by histopathologic examination.

Pathological investigation of bovine lungs in naturally acquiredPasteurella multocidainfection by immunohistlogical technique

The aim of the study was to determine Pasteurella multocida antigen using immunohistochemistry staining of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue in pneumonic lung of bovine in naturally acquired infection. Further, the attempts were to describe the different pathological processes in causation of disease in the involved lungs. For this purpose 87 cattle and buffaloes diagnosed at necropsy with pneumonic lesions categorized according to distribution of lesion grossly and on the basis of cellular infiltration and exudation on microscopically were assessed. The macroscopic finding in 87 lungs, in which pneumonic lesions distributed mainly were in right cranial (35.63%) and in combination of right, left cranial and ventral (24.13%) lobes. Pneumonic lesions were microscopically classified as fibrinous bronchopneumonia (25.28%), catarrhal purulent bronchopneumonia (18.39%), purulent necrotic bronchopneumonia (14.94%), interstitial bronchopneumonia (12.64%), interstitial pneumonia (7.24%), necrotic fibrinous purulent pneumonia (8.04%) and alveolar haemorrhages (3.44%). Immunohistochemical staining against Pasteurella multocida antigen detected in 27 (31.03%) cases and high IHC scoring based on distribution and intensity of antigen were recorded in fibrinous broncho pneumonia and fibrino necrotic purulent pneumonia. The variations of bronchopneumonic lesion recorded in the present cases may possibly a varying susceptibility of individual and or complication of other bacterial and viral infection singly or concomitantly. Thus the present study provides a descriptive pathological process involved with Pasteurella multocida infection supported with detailed IHC scoring in cross sectional natural cases of infection in bovine that can be useful to assess comparative pathological process in relation to other causative agents of pneumonia in bovine.

Early Airway Structural Changes in Cystic Fibrosis Pigs as a Determinant of Particle Distribution and Deposition

The pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is not well understood. A porcine CF model was recently generated, and these animals develop lung disease similar to humans with CF. At birth, before infection and inflammation, CF pigs have airways that are irregularly shaped and have a reduced caliber compared to non-CF pigs. We hypothesized that these airway structural abnormalities affect airflow patterns and particle distribution. To test this hypothesis we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on airway geometries obtained by computed tomography of newborn non-CF and CF pigs. For the same flow rate, newborn CF pig airways exhibited higher air velocity and resistance compared to non-CF. Moreover we found that, at the carina bifurcation, particles greater than 5-μm preferably distributed to the right CF lung despite almost equal airflow ventilation in non-CF and CF. CFD modeling also predicted that deposition efficiency was greater in CF compared to non-CF for 5- and 10-μm particles. These differences were most significant in the airways included in the geometry supplying the right caudal, right accessory, left caudal, and left cranial lobes. The irregular particle distribution and increased deposition in newborn CF pig airways suggest that early airway structural abnormalities might contribute to CF disease pathogenesis.

The Use of Silicone Casts in Collection of Morphological Data from Free-Ranging Wildlife — the Case of Tracheobronchial Anatomy of the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

We tested the usefulness of silicone casts for gathering morphological data from free-ranging wildlife by documenting the tracheobronchial anatomy of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). The silicone compound accurately reproduced the main aspects of the tracheobronchial branching but the demonstration of smaller airways was less accurate. Evaluation of air-inflated specimens and tracheobronchial casts showed that the right lung consisted of cranial, middle, caudal and accessory lobes, whereas the left lung was divided into cranial and caudal lobes. The left cranial lobe was further divided into cranial and caudal parts. The right cranial lobar bronchus was almost tracheal in location. The trachea had an average of 37 cartilages that showed a pattern of random anastomoses between adjacent cartilages. The silicone compound tested in this study holds promise for its use also under field conditions to gather quantitative morphological data.

A Case of Pulmonary Fibrosis with Lung Lobe Torsion in a Pekinese Dog

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is defined as a gradual, interstitial fibrous disease of the lung parenchyma. PF causes collapse of lung lobe which can lead to lung lobe torsion of another side. A 14-year-old male Pekinese dog was referred to Veterinery Medical Center, Chungbuk National University. The chief complaint was acute dyspnea. The dog had a history of chronic cough which lasted for 18 month and cough was deteriorated recently. Tachypnea was noted on physical examination. As a result of thoracic radiographs, ultrasonography and computed tomography, lung lobe torsion and collapse were diagnosed. A postmortem examination revealed lung lobe torsion of left cranial lobe and carnification of right cranial lobe. Histologically, severe and diffuse interstitial fibrosis with distortion of alveolar architecture and severe congestion and/or hemorrhage were noted in right cranial lobe and left cranial lobe, respectively. Although the cause of pulmonary fibrosis was undetermined, this case showed a typical lung lobe torsion caused by pulmonary fibrosis.

Use of computed tomography and silicon endocasts to identify pulmonary veins with echocardiography

The pulmonary veins were identified from the silicone endocast heart models of 19 dogs. Although variation in the number of the more peripheral veins on each specimen existed, all of the casts had a consistency with regards to the most proximal coalescence of the pulmonary veins as they entered the body of the left atrium. That is, the confluence of the veins formed three ostia at the atrial entry point that consisted of 1) right cranial and right middle pulmonary lobe veins; 2) right caudal, accessory, and left caudal pulmonary lobe veins; and 3) both the left cranial and left caudal pulmonary lobe veins of the left cranial lung lobe. The location of these structures identified by the 3-dimensional endocasts were then used to assist in the identification of the pulmonary veins using computed tomography of 2 dogs. Slices were made that approximated those commonly performed during echocardiographic examination. Understanding which pulmonary veins are seen by echocardiography in the different imaging planes will permit prospective evaluations of pulmonary vein size and abnormal flow patterns.

Left cranial lung torsion in a Bernese Mountain dog: a case report

Lung lobe torsion (LLT) is an uncommon pathology in small animal practice. In large breed dogs LLT effects are localized mainly to the middle lobe of the right lung. This report describes a case of left cranial lung torsion in a Bernese Mountain dog: the patient was referred with a two-day history of asthenia, anorexia, dyspnea and haemoptysis. No trauma was reported. Physical examination showed the presence of bilateral pleural effusion confirmed by radiography and ultrasonography. Broncoscopy revealed that the left cranial lobe appeared to be compressed laterally with complete occlusion of the lumen. Thoracoscopy was performed to exclude other pathologies of the pleural space. The pathological lobe was removed. Histological examination revealed aspects consistent with lung lobe torsion. Clinical follow up carried out after three months showed a normal clinical course.

In Utero and Postnatal Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Alters Alveolar and Respiratory Bronchiole (RB) Growth and Development in Infant Monkeys

The direct effect of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in utero on the development of the lung parenchyma is not known. We used design-based stereologic methods to evaluate in utero and postnatal ETS exposure on alveolar and respiratory bronchiole (RB) development in the rhesus macaque. Timed-pregnant rhesus macaques and their offspring were exposed to filtered air or various amounts of ETS during the prenatal and postnatal period. The left cranial lobe from necropsied infants was evaluated by design-based stereological methods and general pathological review. Infants in the in utero and six-month ETS groups had an 18% and 17% relative decrease, respectively, in alveolar number and a 57% and 33% increase, respectively, in alveolar size compared to filtered air (FA) monkeys. Lung volume positively correlated with alveolar number in the FA and six-month ETS group and negatively correlated in the in utero ETS group. The distribution of alveolar size was much more variable in the in utero group. Overall, RB volume was significantly increased in the six-month ETS group (p < .04). Taken together, these results indicate that in utero and postnatal ETS exposure is associated with altered parenchymal lung development.

Endoscopic evaluation of bronchial morphology in rabbits

To evaluate bronchial morphology endoscopically in rabbits and develop a valid nomenclature for the endobronchial branching pattern. 10 mature New Zealand White rabbits. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed in rabbits anesthetized with isoflurane via nasal mask. Airways were systematically evaluated from the larynx to the terminal branches accessible with a 2.5-mm-outer diameter flexible endoscope. Airway branching patterns were identified and assessed for variation among subjects. Airways of all rabbits were readily examined with the 2.5-mm flexible endoscope. Laryngeal structure and function were normal in each rabbit, and airway branching patterns in all rabbits evaluated were identical. At the carina, branching into left and right principal bronchi was evident. The left principal bronchus divided immediately into the left cranial and left caudal lobar bronchi. The left cranial lobe bronchus further divided into dorsal and ventral segmental bronchi. The left caudal lobe bronchus gave rise to branches originating dorsally, ventrally, and medially before continuing caudally. The right principal bronchus divided into the right cranial, right middle, and accessory lobar bronchi and continued distally as the right caudal lobar bronchus. The right cranial lobe bronchus also divided into dorsal and ventral segmental bronchi, and the right caudal lobe bronchus had branches that originated dorsally, ventrally, and medially. Definition of a standard nomenclature for airway branching in rabbits will allow precise localization of disease in clinical cases and accurate collection of airway samples in clinical and scientific evaluations.

RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG LOBE TORSION

Clinical data, thoracic radiographs, ultrasonographic exams, and histopathologic reports in 13 dogs and two cats with confirmed lung lobe torsion were reviewed. Age of dogs ranged from 4 months to 11.5 years, (mean of 6.4 years) and several breeds of large and small dogs were represented. Right middle lobe torsion was predominant in large dogs (five of eight large breed dogs) and left cranial lobe torsion was more commonly seen in small dogs (three of five small-breed dogs). Two domestic short-hair cats, 10 and 14 years of age, had right cranial and right middle lobe torsion, respectively. Underlying thoracic disease was found in only five of 15 patients. On thoracic radiographs, increased lobar opacity and pleural effusion were found in all patients (100%). Small dispersed air bubbles were found within the affected lobe of 13 patients (87%). This pattern, which was the result of vesicular emphysema, was variably extensive, and became more evident on follow-up radiographs in five of six dogs. The lobar bronchi could be seen in only eight of 15 patients (54%), and appeared irregular, focally narrowed or blunted in six of the eight patients, and displaced in five of the eight. Other common radiographic findings included mediastinal shift (nine), curved and dorsally displaced trachea (seven), and axial rotation of the carina (seven). Ultrasonography was used in seven patients and considered generally useful, although variable signs were observed.

Lobação, ramificação brônquica e distribuição arterial no pulmão da cutia (Dasyprocta sp., Mammalia - Rodentia)

Esta pesquisa objetivou estudar as características anatômicas do pulmão da cutia, particularmente os aspectos relativos a lobação, distribuição dos ramos da artéria pulmonar e sua relação com os brônquios.Para tal utilizaram-se dez conjuntos coração-pulmão, dos quais oito tiveram a artéria pulmonar injetada com látex neoprene corado. Os conjuntos foram fixados em solução de formol a 10% e os ramos arteriais no parênquima pulmonar foram dissecados. Em dois pulmões injetou-se "vinil" corado nas artérias e estes foram submetidos à corrosão no ácido clorídrico a 30%. O pulmão da cutia é dividido externamente por fissuras bastante pronunciadas, separando os lobos pulmonares, tanto à direita quanto à esquerda. O pulmão direito apresenta quatro lobos: cranial, médio, caudal e acessório, e o esquerdo dois lobos: cranial e caudal, sendo o lobo cranial dividido em segmentos cranial e caudal. Do brônquio principal direito derivam os brônquios lobares cranial direito, médio, caudal direito e acessório. O brônquio principal esquerdo origina um pequeno tronco, que emite o brônquio lobar cranial, o qual se bifurca, fornecendo ramos para as porções cranial e caudal do lobo cranial esquerdo, e segue como brônquio lobar caudal esquerdo. A artéria pulmonar direita origina, respectivamente, ramos para os lobos cranial, médio, acessório e caudal, e a esquerda fornece, isoladamente, os ramos ascendente e descendente para os segmentos cranial e caudal do lobo cranial esquerdo, prosseguindo para o lobo caudal. Conclui-se que, no pulmão da cutia, as artérias pulmonares seguem as ramificações bronquiais, caracterizando a segmentação anátomo-cirúrgica broncoarterial.