Comparison of ultrasonographic echogenicity and outcome in cats with suspected pancreatitis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasonographic pancreatic echogenicity, especially hypoechogenicity, has an impact on the prognosis of cats with suspected pancreatitis. We hypothesised that cats with a hypoechoic pancreas have a longer duration of hospitalisation, higher treatment costs and a higher mortality rate.
Methods: This was a retrospective study, which included cats with clinical signs of pancreatitis, a SNAP fPL test result above the reference interval and ultrasonographic abnormalities consistent with pancreatitis. Medical records and follow-up information were retrieved from the local electronic database. Cases were assigned to one of three groups based on pancreatic echogenicity: hypoechoic, hyperechoic or mixed echogenicity. Statistical analysis aimed to assess differences in outcome, ultrasonographic abnormalities, historical features, physical examination findings, laboratory results, concurrent diseases or treatment costs.
Results: Thirty-six (64%) cats with a hypoechoic, seven (13%) with a hyperechoic and 13 (23%) cats with a mixed echoic pancreas were included. Cats with a hypoechoic pancreas had a significantly lower median body weight ( P  = 0.010) and lower median body condition score ( P  = 0.004) compared with the other cats. Furthermore, they were presented as being lethargic significantly more often ( P  = 0.014), were more likely to have a homogeneously enlarged pancreas ( P <0.001) and were less likely to have concurrent abnormalities or diseases, such as ultrasonographic enteric abnormalities ( P  = 0.020), triaditis ( P  = 0.013) and diabetes mellitus ( P  = 0.041). However, there was no difference in treatment costs ( P  = 0.961), duration of hospitalisation ( P  = 0.898), survival of hospitalisation ( P  = 0.419) or survival time ( P  = 0.256) between groups.
Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, echogenicity was of no prognostic value in cats with suspected pancreatitis. Cats with a hypoechoic pancreas were not associated with a poorer outcome than cats with a hyperechoic or mixed echoic pancreas.