Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with nasal cryptococcosis causing a mass that looked like cancer
By Rösch, Sarah et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2024·Klinik fü, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [Differential diagnosis to malignant neoplasia: Nasopharyngeal mass in a cat with nasal cryptococcosis in Germany].
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old Norwegian Forest cat was brought in for a runny nose and noisy breathing. A CT scan showed a mass in the nasal cavity that was blocking the airway, and further examination revealed it was caused by a fungal infection known as cryptococcosis. The vet removed the mass using an endoscopic procedure, which helped improve the cat's breathing and cleared up an ear infection within two weeks. To fully treat the infection, the cat was given an oral antifungal medication called itraconazole for several weeks.
People also search for: cat nasal discharge · cat breathing problems · Norwegian Forest cat fungal infection treatment · cryptococcosis in cats · cat ear infection treatment
Abstract
A 2-year-old Norwegian Forest cat was presented for evaluation of bilateral purulent nasal discharge and stertorous breathing. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head revealed an intranasal mass of the left nasal cavity extending behind the tube openings and completely obstructing the nasopharynx. Rhinoscopy confirmed a pinkish, shiny mass. CT scan showed both compartments of the right middle ear filled with abnormal soft tissue attenuating material. There was no change in the bony outline of the middle ear. In the endoscopic examination, after endoscopically assisted tympanocentesis, this material in the accessible dorsolateral compartment proved to be classic polypous tissue in addition to highly viscous glue-like secretions. A secondary otitis media due to a drainage disorder was suspected.Using an endoscopic-interventional approach through the nostril, the nasopharyngeal mass was removed for histopathological examination, in order to restore the nasal airway, and to allow tube drainage. In contrast to cats with classical malignant nasal cavity masses, the cat showed several attachment points of the mass and multiple undulating elevations bilaterally in the nasopharyngeal mucosa.Cytological and histopathological examination identified the mass as a fungal granuloma in the context of a cryptococcus infection only rarely observed in Germany. Molecular genetic analysis confirmed an infection withvar..A single intranasal and nasopharyngeal endoscopic debridement resulted in a significant improvement of the clinical signs and a complete healing of the right middle ear (including the tympanic membrane) within 14 days, but not in a complete cure of the disease. The cat was therefore treated with oral itraconazole solution for several weeks.The case report shows that nasal cryptococcosis can also affect cats in Germany. Rhinoscopy reveals a nasopharyngeal mass with multiple attachment points, which is unusual for a neoplasia. In addition to the recommended removal of the mass, oral administration of systemic antimycotics is strongly advised.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38925137/