MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF INTRAVENTRICULAR EPENDYMOMAS IN Five CATS

Abstract

Intraventricular ependymoma is a rare type of feline intracranial neoplasia and published information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics is currently lacking. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe the clinical and MRI characteristics of histopathologically confirmed intraventricular ependymomas in a group of cats. Five cats met inclusion criteria. In relation to normal gray matter, ependymomas appeared hyperintense on T2W, T2W-FLAIR, PD, and DW-EPI images; isointense on ADC images; and had subtle to strong contrast enhancement. Some variability was seen on T2*GRE and on T1W images with masses being isointense to hyperintense. Four ependymomas were small and homogeneous, and one was centrally cavitated. All cats had obstructive hydrocephalus, transtentorial herniation, and foramen magnum herniation. Perilesional edema was identified in most cats but was questionable in one. Intraventricular ependymoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats with this combination of MRI signs.

MRI findings of ependymoma in a 12‐month‐old cat

“…Previous reports showed an age range for cats with intracranial ependymoma between 3 and 13.2 years 1,6,7 . Of the 37 cats with ependymoma we identified during our literature search, the median age was 8.1 years.…”

“…Previous reports showed an age range for cats with intracranial ependymoma between 3 and 13.2 years. 1,6,7 Of the 37 cats with ependymoma we identified during our literature search, the median age was 8.1 years. Furthermore, the median age of cats with neuroepithelial tumours, including both ependymoma and choroid plexus tumours (8.2 years) is significantly younger than the median age of cats with meningioma (12.2 years), which is the most common primary central nervous system tumour in cats.…”

“…FIP is the most common infectious disease affecting the CNS of young cats. 12,13 A detailed description of the MRI appearance of ependymoma in cats can be found in the literature for only five cases 6 and a brief description of three others. 5,14 Ependymomas are typically hyperintense on T2W, T2W-FLAIR, PD, and DW-EPI images; isointense on ADC images; and have sub-tle to strong contrast enhancement.…”

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a cerebellar medulloblastoma in a heifer

“…[21][22][23] Equally ependymoma was considered a possible differential diagnosis given the MRI characteristics; however, this type of tumor has been more commonly reported in adult patients in the veterinary literature. 24,25 Ependymoblastoma has only been reported once in cattle, and its MRI features have been recently described in humans consisting of well-defined tumor margins, isoto hyperintense tumor signal relative to gray matter on T2-weighted images, mainly hypo-to isointense signal on T1-weighted images although different signal intensities (hypo-/iso-/hyperintense) can be found due to partial hemorrhage and calcifications, and mild to moderate contrast enhancement. 26,27 Although ependymoblastoma was considered compatible with our findings, it was deemed less likely in view of its rarity.…”

Case Report: Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting and Radiation Therapy Treatment in a Cat With a Suspected Choroid Plexus Tumor and Hypertensive Hydrocephalus

“…Radiation therapy (RT) is an established treatment choice for inoperable intracranial tumors in cats ( 1 ). Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement has been described for the treatment of obstructive hypertensive hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular tumors ( 2 – 4 ). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of successful VPS placement and subsequent RT treatment in a cat with III ventricle tumor causing hypertensive obstructive hydrocephalus.…”