Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI shows pituitary gland growth in 15 cats with acromegaly
By Posch, Barbara et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2011·Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in 15 acromegalic cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 15 cats with acromegaly, a condition caused by too much growth hormone, were diagnosed using MRI scans. All the cats showed an enlarged pituitary gland, which is where the problem originates, and some had swelling around the tumor. The MRI helped confirm the diagnosis, and in a couple of cases, a pituitary tumor was found through further testing. While the condition can lead to serious complications, the MRI was key in identifying the issue and guiding treatment options.
People also search for: cat acromegaly symptoms · MRI for cat pituitary tumor · treatment for cat growth hormone excess
Abstract
Feline acromegaly is characterized by chronic excessive growth hormone secretion, most commonly caused by a functional pituitary adenoma. In this study, acromegaly was diagnosed in 15 cats on the basis of compatible clinical signs, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. MRI findings were reviewed retrospectively. Enlargement of the pituitary gland with suprasellar extension was present in all cats. No characteristic signal patterns were identified on T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences. Contrast enhancement was nonuniform in all cats, as was suspected involvement of the adjacent hypothalamus. A mass effect on the cavernous sinus and third ventricle was present in 13 cats. Mild peritumoral edema was present in four cats, and moderate edema in one cat. Transtentorial herniation was present in one cat. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a pituitary adenoma in two cases. MRI is a useful modality to establish the diagnosis of acromegaly.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21447042/