Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Identification of an ectopic periorbital lymph node in two horses.
- Journal:
- Open veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2022
- Authors:
- Narinx, Florine et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two young warm-blood horses were brought to a veterinary clinic because they had non-painful lumps near their eyes. The lumps were examined and measured about 2 by 2 cm and 3 by 2 cm, and tests showed they were made up of a mix of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. The lumps were identified as ectopic lymph nodes, meaning they were located in an unusual place, and this is the first time such a condition has been reported in animals. The horses underwent surgery to remove the lumps, and the procedure was successful, completely resolving the issue.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical presentation and treatment of an ectopic periorbital lymph node in two young horses. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two warm-blood horses were presented at the equine clinic of the University of Liège with a periorbital non-painful mass. Differential diagnosis included neoplasm (lymphoma), (sterile) abscess, cyst, ectopic lacrimal gland tissue, hematoma, adipose tissue, or ectopic lymphoid tissue. Information collected included physical and ophthalmic examination findings, results of the ocular and periocular ultrasound, surgical procedure, histopathology, and follow-up. Masses of 2 × 2 cm and 3 × 2 cm subcutaneous, ovoid, smooth, and firm mass were observed in the zygomatic region of the head. On ultrasound, the mass appeared as a hypoechoic subcutaneous structure. Cytology showed a mixed lymphocytic cell population. No abnormal mitotic activity was observed. Histopathology revealed a chronic markedly reactive lymph node. CONCLUSION: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of periorbital ectopic lymph nodes in veterinary medicine. Ectopic lymph nodes should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of periocular masses in animals. Surgery was easily performed and was curative.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36589395/