MRI findings in a young dog with gliomatosis cerebri

Abstract

FIG 1. (A-C) MRI at the time of presentation of a dog diagnosed with gliomatosis cerebri: (A) T2-weighted sagittal sequence showing diffuse T2W hyperintensity at the cerebellum and swelling characterised by the absence of the cerebellar sulci and the loss of differentiation between grey and white matter. (B) T2-weighted transverse sequence showing diffuse T2W hyperintensity of the cerebellum more evident on the ventrolateral left hemisphere/flocculus (green arrowhead). (C) T1-weighted post-contrast transverse sequence showing no contrast uptake of the cerebellum. (D-F) T2-weighted sagittal (D), T2-weighted transverse (E) and T1-weighted post-contrast (F) sequences at a 5-month follow-up MRI showing no change ttp://www.bsava.com/

Response to: Was the ‘alternating head tilt’ a ‘positioning head tilt’?

“…After reviewing videos of our case (Liatis et al 2021), we agree with Dr Tamura that our dog manifested a positioning head tilt, which developed each time head was changing position and was absent when the head was static or when walking on a straight line (Video S1). Additionally, after dorsal extension of the head, exacerbation of signs was occurring [induction of left head tilt, vertical (downbeat) nystagmus, skew deviation (vertical misalignment of the eyes)], which were abating with time (Video S1).…”

“…We would like to thank Dr Tamura for his interest in our article describing MRI findings in a young dog with gliomatosis cerebri (Liatis et al 2021). Dr Tamura raises a very interesting point regarding the semiology of the dog of our report, wondering whether the "alternating" was a positioning head tilt.…”

Positioning Head Tilt in Canine Lysosomal Storage Disease: A Retrospective Observational Descriptive Study

“…As PHT had not been described until 2016, it might have been overlooked in some veterinary patients. The clinical sign described as “alternating head tilt” in a dog with a tumor, including NU ( 3 ), was recognized as PHT ( 5 ) only after it was pointed out that it might be PHT ( 4 ). Although further observation of many cases with cerebellar diseases that cause NU dysfunction, including vascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, and trauma, is required, PHT may be a common clinical sign and pathophysiology in dogs with NU dysfunction.…”

“…The original documented cases were three dogs with presumptive NU hypoplasia (1). Recently, PHT was observed in a dog with gliomatosis cerebri affecting NU (3)(4)(5). We hypothesized that other diseases, such as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) that cause degeneration in the whole brain, including the cerebellum, may also cause NU dysfunction and PHT.…”

Was the ‘alternating head tilt’ a ‘positioning head tilt’?

“…This letter is in reference to a recently published article in JSAP entitled, "MRI findings in a young dog with gliomatosis cerebri" (Liatis et al 2021). In the article, an "alternating head tilt" was observed upon neurological examination in a dog.…”