Imaging Diagnosis using Computed Tomography in Three Dogs with Giant Bullous Emphysema

A miniature pinscher and two Maltese dogs were present with dyspnea, and radiography and computed tomography (CT) were performed. All dogs were diagnosed with giant bullous emphysema of the massive, hyperexpanded, and hypoattenuating bulla causing contralateral mediastinal shift. Giant bullous emphysema, the rarest form of bullous lung disease, is defined as a bulla that fills more than 30% of the hemithorax, and multi-detector CT scanning could provide the useful information to confirm a diagnosis of giant bullous emphysema in older dogs. The radiographic and computed tomographic features for giant bullous emphysema were described.