Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with brain granuloma from Toxoplasma gondii diagnosed by surgery
By Falzone, C et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2008·Valdinievole Veterinary Clinic, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Toxoplasma gondii brain granuloma in a cat: diagnosis using cytology from an intraoperative sample and sequential magnetic resonance imaging.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with a history of seizures was found to have a mass in its brain after an MRI. The mass was surgically removed, and tests confirmed it was caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite. The cat was treated with clindamycin and phenobarbital, which stopped the seizures from coming back. Although follow-up MRIs showed some brain atrophy over time, there was no sign of the granuloma returning for nearly two years. However, the cat's health eventually declined, and another MRI suggested a possible recurrence of the granuloma.
People also search for: cat seizures treatment · Toxoplasma gondii in cats · cat brain mass surgery · cat MRI results · clindamycin for cat infections
Abstract
A cat with a history of seizures and clinical suspicion of forebrain disorder underwent a brain magnetic resonance imaging. A space-occupying lesion was identified in the left temporal lobe. The mass was surgically removed, and cytological, histological and immunohistochemical examinations documented the presence of Toxoplasma gondii. A definitive diagnosis of an intracranial T gondii granuloma was made. The cat was treated with clindamycin and phenobarbital and the seizures did not recur. After 10 months, a second magnetic resonance imaging showed severe brain atrophy, but T gondii granuloma recurrence was not noted. Twenty-one months after surgery, the cat's condition deteriorated, and another magnetic resonance imaging showed a presumptive recurrence of T gondii granuloma. In cats, T gondii granuloma must be considered as a differential diagnosis even when only a single intracranial mass is present. Cytology and magnetic resonance imaging can be useful in making a definitive diagnosis and to follow the evolution of the lesion.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17784931/