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Published on: May 24, 2021
Cerebellar vascular hamartoma in a British Shorthair cat
Catherine E Stalin1, Nicolas Granger, Nick D Jeffery
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom. cet24@cam.ac.uk <cet24@cam.ac.uk>
Insights
A rare cerebellar vascular hamartoma was diagnosed in a young cat. This finding introduces a new differential diagnosis for central nervous system conditions in feline patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) lesions in young animals require thorough differential diagnosis.
- Vascular hamartomas are rare developmental abnormalities characterized by disorganized vascular tissue.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old cat presented with clinical signs consistent with cerebellar dysfunction.
- Neurological deficits included symptoms attributable to cerebellar herniation through the foramen magnum and increased intracranial pressure.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and incisional biopsy confirmed a cerebellar vascular hamartoma.
- Histopathological examination revealed a non-neoplastic malformation of blood vessels within the cerebellum.
Implications:
- Cerebellar vascular hamartoma is identified as a novel differential diagnosis for CNS lesions in young cats.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare vascular malformations in feline neurological disorders.
Abstract:
Cerebellar vascular hamartoma was diagnosed in a 16-month-old cat following magnetic resonance imaging and incisional biopsy. The clinical features were consistent with the cerebellar site of the lesion accompanied by signs attributable to cerebellar herniation through the foramen magnum and increased intra-cranial pressure. A lesion of this type represents a previously unreported differential diagnosis for central nervous system lesions in young cats.
