Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI and spinal fluid signs of choroid plexus tumors in 56 dogs
By Westworth, D R et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2008·William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Choroid plexus tumors in 56 dogs (1985-2007).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 56 dogs with brain tumors called choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) were studied to see how MRI scans and analysis of their spinal fluid could help diagnose and differentiate between tumor types. The results showed that Golden Retrievers were more likely to have these tumors than other breeds. Dogs with a more aggressive form of the tumor (choroid plexus carcinoma) had higher protein levels in their spinal fluid compared to those with a less aggressive form (choroid plexus papilloma). This information can help veterinarians determine the best treatment options and predict outcomes for affected dogs.
People also search for: dog brain tumor symptoms · Golden Retriever choroid plexus tumor · MRI for dog brain tumor
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) comprise approximately 10% of all primary brain tumors in dogs. The clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, or both in the presumptive diagnosis of CPTs has not been determined. OBJECTIVES: To report MRI and CSF findings in dogs with CPT and determine if there are distinguishing features that allow clinical discrimination between the tumor grades. ANIMALS: Fifty-six client-owned dogs with naturally occurring CPT. METHODS: Retrospective case series. The inclusion criterion was histologically confirmed CPT. Blinded review of cranial MRI and cisternal CSF analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-six of 56 dogs had a choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) and 20 had a choroid plexus papilloma (CPP). Golden Retrievers were overrepresented compared with the hospital population (frequency 3.7 times that expected, confidence interval 95%= 2.0-6.7, P< .0002). Median CSF protein concentration in CPCs (108 mg/dL, range 27-380 mg/dL) was significantly higher than in CPPs (34 mg/dL, range 32-80 mg/dL) (P= .002). Only dogs with CPCs had a CSF protein concentration >80 mg/dL. Cytological evidence of malignancy in CSF was seen in 7 of 15 CPCs. Only CPCs had evidence of intraventricular or subarachnoid metastases on MRI. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: MRI, CSF analysis or both can help to differentiate between CPPs and CPCs, and may provide valuable prognostic and pretreatment information.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691364/