Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

284 Small Animal Radiolo g y and Ultrasono graphy
Occasionally, one or more small, round structures with calcified rims, so-called eggshell
calcifications, will be seen. These structures, if not associated with any abdominal organ, are
probably mesenteric cysts (cholesterol cysts) that are free in the peritoneum and are of no
pathologic significance (Fig. 3-33). Occasionally, blood vessel walls may be calcified. These
appear as pairs of thin linear calcific densities following the paths of the major arteries.
These findings may be the result of advanced renal failure, hyperadrenocorticism, hyperparathyroidism,
or atherosclerosis (Fig. 3-34).
Fig. 3-33 A 5-year-old male Lhasa
Apso with vomiting for 3 days. There
is a structure with calcified borders
(eggshell calcification) in the caudal
ventral abdomen. Differential diagnoses
include mesenteric cyst, cystic
calculus, or intestinal foreign body.
On the ventrodorsal view the structure
was not located within the bladder
or small intestine. Diagnosis:
Mesenteric cyst. The dog’s vomiting
resolved with symptomatic treatment.
Fig. 3-34 A 13-year-old castrated
Persian cat with chronic renal disease.
There are fine linear calcifications
outlining portions of the celiac
(black arrow), cranial mesenteric
(open white arrow), and renal arteries
(solid white arrowhead). Differential
diagnoses include calcification due
to chronic renal failure, hyperadrenocorticism,
or atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis: Arterial wall calcification
due to chronic renal failure.