Computed Tomographic Assessment of Pituitary Gland Dimensions in Domestic Short-Haired Cats

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The pituitary gland is crucial in regulating metabolic processes. Tumors in this gland can be subtle, meaning that establishing reference values for the pituitary dimensions is pivotal. Computed tomography is commonly used to identify pituitary alterations, plan surgery or radiation therapy, and monitor treatment responses. This study aimed to determine the normal pituitary size, and the pituitary-to-brain ratio, in a group of domestic short-haired cats by computed tomography. The study also aimed to explore the correlations between body weight, age, sex, and pituitary dimensions, and assess the inter- and intra-agreement between operators in measuring pituitary dimensions. The study showed that the normal range for pituitary dimensions is wider than previously reported. The study also showed a low correlation between body weight, age, and pituitary dimensions. The intra-operator agreement in measuring pituitary dimensions was good/excellent, but the inter-operator agreement was moderate/good, likely due to differences in expertise. The reference values obtained from this study could help in better evaluating the pituitary gland in domestic short-haired cats with suspected pituitary neoplastic lesions. ABSTRACT: The detection of subtle changes in the pituitary dimensions has relevant clinical implications. In cats, a few studies have established the cut-off values of the pituitary gland’s dimensions using small and inhomogeneous samples. The aims of this study were: to determine by computed tomography (CT) the pituitary linear dimensions and the pituitary-to-brain (P:B) ratio in a sample of domestic short-haired (DSH) cats; to assess the effects of sex, age, and weight on pituitary dimensions; and to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer agreement for such measurements. All skull CTs of DSH cats performed over four years using a multidetector CT and a standardized protocol were retrospectively reviewed. The exclusion criteria were: clinical, laboratory, or CT alterations of the pituitary gland, brain diseases, fractures of the neurocranium, and diabetes. The pituitary dimensions and brain area were assessed by two different observers using multiplanar reconstructions and automated segmentation tools. Fifty-one cats were included in the final sample. The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and inter-observer reliability were good/excellent, and moderate/good, respectively. No differences between sexes were detected, and negligible correlations were found between age and weight. According to this study, a pituitary gland with a height > 4 mm or a P:B ratio > 0.49 mm should be considered enlarged.