Imaging Features of Lung Lobe Torsion in Two Dogs with Typical or Atypical Initial Radiographic Signs

A 7 years old, male, Afghan hound (case 1) and a 10 years old, castrated male, Pekingese (case 2) were referred with dyspnea. In case 1, thoracic radiographs showed moderate amount of pleural effusion and lobar sign in the left cranial lung lobe. Following computed tomographic (CT) examination, lung lobe torsion in left cranial lung lobe was diagnosed. In case 2, thoracic radiographs showed increased cranial lobar opacity but there was no evidence of pleural effusion. CT examination revealed an abrupt ending bronchus in the left cranial lung lobe. Based on the imaging diagnosis, left cranial lung lobectomy was performed in both cases. Case 1 showed increased lobar opacity and pleural effusion, while case 2 just showed less concrete evidence of lung lobe torsion on thoracic radiographs and marked severe chronic suppurative pneumonia was histopathologically confirmed. In conclusion, CT could be an important modality when atypical lung disease is suspicious.