Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI features of brain histiocytic sarcoma tumors in dogs
By Tamura, Shinji et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2009·Tamura Animal Clinic, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: MR imaging of histiocytic sarcoma of the canine brain.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old Golden Retriever was brought in for neurological problems, including weakness and disorientation. After performing an MRI, the veterinarian found a mass in the dog's brain that was diagnosed as a histiocytic sarcoma, a type of cancer. The MRI showed features that could be mistaken for other conditions, like meningioma or encephalitis. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this type of brain tumor can be poor, and treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or palliative care, depending on the individual case.
People also search for: dog brain tumor symptoms · Golden Retriever neurological problems · histiocytic sarcoma treatment for dogs
Abstract
Histiocytic sarcomas are characterized by proliferation and/or infiltration of neoplastic histiocytes localized to specific organs, unlike malignant histiocytosis which involves many organ systems. Only a few cranial histiocytic sarcomas have been reported. Here we describe four dogs that presented with neurological deficits referable to the forebrain, and were diagnosed histologically as having histiocytic sarcoma. Using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the tumors were characterized by a T2-hyperintense and T1-isointense mass in one dog, T2- and T1-isointense extraaxial masses in two dogs, and a diffuse T2-hyperintense lesion over the left cerebral cortex in one dog. All tumors had contrast enhancement. MRI features in three of the four dogs were similar to that of meningioma, supported by the observation of a dural tail in two of these three dogs, and a broad base of attachment in the other. In the other dog the imaging findings were similar to those of encephalitis. Intracranial histiocytic sarcoma does not appear to have specific MR imaging features and can be confused with meningioma or encephalitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19400464/