Otitis interna induced by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii in a cat

Vet Pathol. 2013 Mar;50(2):260-3. doi: 10.1177/0300985812451623. Epub 2012 Jun 13.

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was identified at necropsy in a case of bilateral otitis interna in a 7-year-old, female, domestic shorthair cat with a 9-day history of acute onset of vestibular disease. Gross examination, including that of the middle and inner ears, was unremarkable. Histologically, the auricular vestibuli, cochleae, and semicircular canals were bilaterally affected by granulomatous inflammation with extracellular and intrahistiocytic yeasts. The yeasts and associated inflammation obstructed and disrupted perilymphatic and endolymphatic spaces of the inner ears. Disruption of the saccular and utricular maculae, cristae ampularis, and organ of Corti, as well as changes in the endolymphatic and perilymphatic fluids, probably impaired the vestibular and auditory functions of this cat. The route of infection was most likely hematogenous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / microbiology*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology*
  • Cats
  • Cryptococcosis / pathology
  • Cryptococcosis / veterinary*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans*
  • Ear, Inner / pathology
  • Ear, Middle / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Histological Techniques / veterinary
  • Labyrinthitis / microbiology
  • Labyrinthitis / pathology
  • Labyrinthitis / veterinary*
  • Vestibular Diseases / microbiology
  • Vestibular Diseases / pathology
  • Vestibular Diseases / veterinary*