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1114.e2 Fistulogram

Fistulogram
VetBooks.ir Contraindications Preparation: Important

Difficulty level: ♦
Known sensitivity to contrast media Checkpoints
Synonym • Sedation/anesthesia if required
Positive-contrast fistulogram Equipment, Anesthesia • Hair clipped and area scrubbed/disinfected
• Contrast media • Survey radiograph of region
Overview and Goal ○ Ionic or nonionic organic iodinated
Fistulograms are radiographic contrast proce- contrast agents Possible Complications and
dures that may be used in the evaluation of a • Catheters Common Errors to Avoid
cutaneous draining tract. ○ Variable lengths and sizes, depending on • Systemic reaction to contrast agents
extent of lesion (rare)
Indications ○ Preferably semirigid without balloon tip, • Local irritation from hypertonic contrast
• Identify soft-tissue foreign bodies (e.g., such as a tomcat catheter; no stylets agents (rare; can dilute with saline or sterile
splinters, plant awns, glass) • Sedation/anesthesia may be required for water for prevention)
• Locate potential source of a draining tract fractious animals. • Leakage of contrast into fascial planes leading
(e.g., orthopedic implants, sutures) to nondiagnostic study (common)
• Identify communication of tract with body Anticipated Time • Inability to follow full extent of draining
cavity or organ About 5-20 minutes tract (common)

FISTULOGRAM Lateral radiographic projection of torso of a dog before contrast FISTULOGRAM Lateral thoracic radiograph of a dog with a chronic draining
injection. There is a suggestion of minor radiopacity in dorsal body wall dorsal to tract over the sternum, seen as a soft-tissue opacity on this projection (white
location of a draining tract. (Courtesy Dr. Phil Gill.) arrow). The source is not identified.

FISTULOGRAM Lateral radiographic projection of same dog after contrast
injection into a cutaneous draining tract on lateral thorax. Study shows extent of FISTULOGRAM Lateral thoracic radiograph of the same dog after contrast injection
draining tract, with pooling of contrast media in dorsal body wall. Filling defect in into the draining tract, demonstrating contrast enhancement of the tract. A stick
contrast-filled tract was created by catheter. (Courtesy Dr. Phil Gill.) (foreign body) is clearly demonstrated (between arrows).

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