IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF A SKULL BASE CHORDOMA IN A CAT

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2017 Mar;58(2):E11-E15. doi: 10.1111/vru.12373. Epub 2016 May 4.

Abstract

An 8-year-old domestic short-haired cat was presented with anorexia, lethargy, ataxia and one episode of consciousness loss. A midline vertically orientated, biconcave, extra-axial mass originating from the basioccipital bone was detected on magnetic resonance images of the head. The mass was T1W iso- to hypointense when compared with normal grey matter, T2W hyperintense with small areas of isointensity and heterogeneously enhanced with contrast. Multiple signal voids were observed on T2* images. Histopathological evaluation confirmed a chordoma. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the imaging characteristics of a chordoma affecting the skull base in a cat.

Keywords: cat; chordoma; magnetic resonance imaging; neoplasia; skull.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cat Diseases / etiology
  • Cats
  • Chordoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Chordoma / etiology
  • Chordoma / veterinary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Skull Base / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull Base / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / veterinary*