Computed tomographic features of Morel-Lavallée lesion in 3 cats

Natalia Dziedzic-Nyrka, Sumari Dancer, Emma Fredholm Kaipak , Lina Nowak, Manuel Pinilla, Inés Carrera, Sofia Garcia-Pertierra Garcia, Dylan Clements, Tobias Schwarz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

OBJECTIVE
To describe the CT features of Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) and their association with trauma in cats. This study aimed to investigate whether MLL fluid in cats accumulates between the dermis and deep fascia near superficial trauma, exhibits a vertical attenuation gradient, and shows no or only mild contrast enhancement on CT images.

ANIMALS
3 young cats: a 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, a 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, and a 3-year-old neutered female British Shorthair cat.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
The clinical presentation of the 3 cats in the study involved recurrent swelling and fluid accumulation affecting at least 1 pelvic limb following trauma.

RESULTS
In all cases, there was a fluid-filled space deep to the skin and superficial subcutaneous layer but superficial to the deep fascial plane overlying the muscular component of the pelvic limbs. The MLL fluid had a vertical attenuation gradient and no or only mild contrast enhancement.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Morel-Lavallée lesions are often initially overlooked, likely due to distraction by concomitant significant bone injuries, and can be mistaken for hematomas, seromas, subcutaneous edema, contusions, or cellulitis, leading to less aggressive treatment. If left untreated, MLLs present a significant risk of extensive skin necrosis compared to other types of subcutaneous swelling.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Early online date3 Oct 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 3 Oct 2024

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