Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan finds lung fungal infection blocking airway in cat
By Schlacks, Sallianne et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2021·Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: CT identifies pulmonary cryptococcosis in a domestic feline.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat was brought in because it was lethargic and coughing. X-rays showed a mass in one lung and a nodule in the other, leading to a diagnosis of a fungal infection called cryptococcosis. Despite initial treatment with fluconazole and steroids, the cat's condition worsened, causing breathing difficulties. A procedure called bronchoscopy was done to remove some of the mass and take samples for testing, which confirmed the infection. The cat is now stable and is being treated daily with itraconazole, which is helping manage the infection.
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Abstract
A domestic cat was presented for lethargy and coughing. Thoracic radiographs identified a mass within the right cranial lung lobe and a nodule in the left cranial lung lobe. Cryptococcus spp. was diagnosed via ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate cytology. Despite fluconazole and prednisolone treatment, clinical signs progressed and suggested airway obstruction. Computed tomography revealed mass invasion into the trachea and other areas of the lower airway resulting in obstruction. Bronchoscopy was performed to debulk the tracheal mass and obtain biopsies. Histopathology confirmed Cryptococcus spp. At the time of this report, the patient remained clinically stable with daily itraconazole (5 mg/kg) treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31531909/