Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT and MRI scans of heart base tumors in 44 dogs
By Watko, Ria et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2025·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: CT and MRI Features of Aortic Body Paragangliomas in 44 Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male Bulldog was diagnosed with a heart base tumor called an aortic body paraganglioma after showing signs of breathing problems and lethargy. Imaging tests like CT and MRI revealed that the tumor was causing local invasion and had spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment options included surgery to remove the tumor, and while the tumor is generally considered benign, some cases can be malignant and require careful monitoring. The dog underwent surgery and is currently recovering, but ongoing check-ups will be necessary to ensure there are no further complications.
People also search for: dog heart tumor symptoms · Bulldog breathing problems · aortic body paraganglioma treatment
Abstract
Aortic body paragangliomas (ABPs) are the most common heart base tumor in dogs; however, descriptions of their computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are lacking. Although generally considered benign, ABPs can present as malignant neoplasms with local invasion and metastasis. The objectives of this study were to describe the CT and MRI features of confirmed benign and malignant ABPs and identify significant features associated with malignancy. Forty-four dogs with 43 CTs and 3 MRIs were included. Most (68%) dogs were males, and 48% were brachycephalic breeds. At CT, ABPs were mostly heterogeneously contrast-enhancing, well-marginated, lobular or ovoid, and frequently fluid-cavitated. At MRI, ABPs had heterogeneous T2 hyperintensity, uniform contrast enhancement, a variable "salt-and-pepper" sign, and fluid-cavitated regions. Local invasion was noted in 11 cases. Thirteen dogs had confirmed metastatic lesions, with the most common sites being local lymph nodes, heart, and bones. ABPs frequently displaced and compressed regional structures and less often encircled vasculature. Pericardial and peritoneal effusions were significantly associated with confirmed metastasis. Encircling of vessels, mediastinal effusion, and right-sided congestive heart failure were significantly associated with invasion. ABPs may be present in non-brachycephalic breeds, and malignant masses have the potential for regional invasion and distant bone metastasis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41268639/