Adrenocortical hypoperfusion detected by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in a dog with trilostane‐induced hypoadrenocorticism

Abstract

A 12‐year‐old neutered male Chihuahua dog was diagnosed with pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism and treated with trilostane. Eighty‐nine days later, the dog showed lethargy accompanied by hyponatraemia and hyperkalaemia. Hypoadrenocorticism due to trilostane was suspected, but the result of the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test was not conclusive. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound showed loss of adrenocortical blood flow in both adrenal glands, indicating adrenocortical hypoperfusion and isolated hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment with fludrocortisone acetate improved the condition and electrolyte abnormalities. Thirteen months later, the dog showed alopecia, and an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test revealed increased cortisol concentration, indicating hypercortisolism recurrence. The dog died due to progressive deterioration 22 months after the initial presentation. Post‐mortem examination revealed focally extensive necrosis with marked calcification in the parenchyma of the adrenal glands and regeneration of the cells in the zona fasciculata with severe fibrosis. Adrenocortical hypoperfusion detected by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound can support the diagnosis of adrenal necrosis and hypoadrenocorticism.