Normal feline duodenal papilla....

Ultrasound Appearance of the Duodenal Papilla in Clinically Healthy Cats

Charlotte Coeuriot, Julie Pontarrasse, Nora Bouhsina, Maureen Lazard, Alexis Bertrand, Marion Fusellier.

Background
The duodenal papilla (DP) is a key anatomical structure where the pancreatic and bile ducts merge before entering the duodenum. Cats have a short common bile-pancreatic duct, predisposing them to hepatobiliary and pancreatic infections. While ultrasonographic evaluation of the DP has been described in dogs, it remains underexplored in cats. This study aimed to establish reference values for the ultrasonographic appearance and dimensions of the DP in healthy adult cats and assess potential influences of age, sex, weight, diet, and lifestyle.

Methods
A prospective study was conducted on 30 clinically healthy cats. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed with a high-frequency linear transducer (6–18 MHz). The DP was identified, and five measurements were recorded: width and height in a transverse section, length and height in a longitudinal section, and duodenal wall thickness adoral to the DP. The DP’s echogenicity, homogeneity, and shape were described. Statistical analyses evaluated correlations between DP size and factors such as diet, sex, weight, and lifestyle.

Results
The mean DP dimensions were:
-Transverse plane: width = 3.13 ± 0.68 mm, height = 2.47 ± 0.63 mm
-Longitudinal plane: length = 3.98 ± 1.27 mm, height = 2.44 ± 0.57 mm
-Duodenal wall thickness: 2.95 ± 0.51 mm

The DP appeared homogeneous and was mostly isoechoic to fat. Its shape was predominantly round in transverse views and oval in longitudinal views. No correlation was found between DP dimensions and sex, weight, or age. Cats fed a mixed diet (dry and wet food) had a significantly longer DP than those fed only dry food (P < 0.05). Indoor cats had a significantly wider and longer DP compared to those with outdoor access.

Limitations
The study population consisted only of young to middle-aged cats (1–10 years), limiting the ability to assess age-related changes in DP morphology. Additionally, no histological confirmation of DP structure was performed, and blood tests were not included to rule out subclinical disease.

Conclusions
This study provides ultrasonographic reference values for the DP in healthy cats. While sex, age, and weight did not influence DP size, diet and lifestyle had minor but statistically significant effects. These findings may assist in differentiating normal from pathological DP changes in cats with suspected pancreatobiliary disease. Future studies should evaluate DP characteristics in older cats and those with gastrointestinal disorders.

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