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MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES AND OUTCOME FOR SOLITARY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM COCCIDIOIDES GRANULOMAS IN 11 DOGS AND CATS.

Authors :
Bentley RT
Heng HG
Thompson C
Lee CS
Kroll RA
Roy ME
Marini L
Heo J
Wigle WL
Source :
Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association [Vet Radiol Ultrasound] 2015 Sep-Oct; Vol. 56 (5), pp. 520-30. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Apr 07.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Little published information is available to guide therapy for canine and feline patients with Coccidioides infections involving the central nervous system (CNS). The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and outcome for a group of dogs and cats with solitary CNS Coccidiodes granulomas. Nine canine and two feline cases met inclusion criteria; four diagnosed and treated with surgery and fluconazole and seven diagnosed by serology or cytology and treated medically. Three cases had left Coccidioides endemic areas long before developing neurological disease. The MRI lesions shared many features with neoplastic masses. The extra-axial granulomas often had a lack of a distinct border between the mass and neural parenchyma. Four cases were extra-axial and seven were intra-axial, but distinguishing between extra-axial and intra-axial locations was sometimes challenging. The surgical cases had good outcomes and histology allowed definitive diagnosis. Medically managed patients also had generally good outcomes, with resolution of clinical signs in most cases. Findings indicated that distinction between neoplasia and focal Coccidioides granulomas based on MRI features is likely to be imprecise. Demonstration of the organism by cytology or histology is required for definitive diagnosis. The role of surgery for improving the outcome of brain or spinal coccidioidomycosis granulomas warrants further study.<br /> (© 2015 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1740-8261
Volume :
56
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25857572
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12258