Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brain biopsy technique and results in 26 dogs with brain masses
By John Henry Rossmeisl et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2015·Wake Forest University School of Medicine, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Frame-based stereotactic biopsy of canine brain masses: technique and clinical results in 26 cases
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 26 dogs with brain masses underwent a specialized biopsy procedure to determine the nature of their lesions. The procedure had a high success rate, with nearly 95% of the biopsies providing a clear diagnosis, mostly identifying gliomas. While some dogs experienced complications like seizures or temporary neurological issues, the overall safety of the procedure was deemed acceptable, with only one dog suffering a fatal outcome due to bleeding in the brain. This technique can be an effective option for diagnosing brain problems in dogs.
People also search for: dog brain mass diagnosis · canine biopsy procedure risks · why is my dog having seizures · glioma treatment in dogs · dog neurological problems after biopsy
Abstract
This report describes the methodology, diagnostic yield, and adverse events (AE) associated with frame-based stereotactic brain biopsies (FBSB) obtained from 26 dogs with solitary forebrain lesions. Medical records were reviewed from dogs that underwent FBSB using two stereotactic headframes designed for use in small animals and compatible with computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Stereotactic plans were generated from MR and CT images using commercial software, and FBSB performed both with (14/26) and without intraoperative image guidance. Records were reviewed for diagnostic yield, defined as the proportion of biopsies producing a specific neuropathological diagnosis, AE associated with FBSB, and risk factors for the development of AE. Postprocedural AE were evaluated in 19/26 dogs that did not proceed to a therapeutic intervention immediately following biopsy. Biopsy targets included intra-axial telencephalic masses (24/26), one intra-axial diencephalic mass, and one extra-axial parasellar mass. The median target volume was 1.99 cm3. No differences in patient, lesion, or outcome variables were observed between the two headframe systems used or between FBSB performed with or without intraoperative CT-guidance. The diagnostic yield of FBSB was 94.6%. Needle placement error was a significant risk factor associated with procurement of non-diagnostic biopsy specimens. Gliomas were diagnosed in 24/26 dogs, and meningioma and granulomatous meningoencephalitis in one dog each. AE directly related to FBSB were observed in a total of 7/26 (27%) of dogs. Biopsy associated clinical morbidity, manifesting as seizures and transient neurological deterioration, occurred in 3/19 (16%) of dogs. The case fatality rate was 5.2% (1/19 dogs), with death attributable to intracranial hemorrhage. FBSB using the described apparatus was relatively safe and effective at providing neuropathological diagnoses in dogs with focal forebrain lesions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2015.00020