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Papillary meningioma in the dog: A clinicopathological case series study
Maria Teresa Mandara1, Alice Reginato1, Greta Foiani1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
Abstract:
Papillary meningioma (PM) is one of the most aggressive variants of meningioma in humans and classified as grade III by WHO system. To date, the biological behavior of PM is still not clear in dogs. This study investigated the correlation between histopathological findings of 16 canine PMs and follow up data. Moreover, the expression of doublecortin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The supratentorial compartment resulted the most common involved. Despite the low grade of histological malignancy, 87.5% of dogs that underwent surgery experienced tumor recurrence. Intratumoral necrosis was observed in a strict correlation with malignancy histological parameter and tumor recurrence. The post-surgery mean survival time was much lower than thus observed in the most common histological subtypes. This data were also confirmed in dogs that received a conservative treatment alone. Tumors with a severe clinical behavior showed a high N-cadherin expression versus a low or absent E-cadherin expression.
Insights
Papillary meningioma (PM) in dogs, though often low-grade, frequently recurs after surgery. Intratumoral necrosis and high N-cadherin expression correlate with aggressive behavior and poor outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Oncology
Background:
- Papillary meningioma (PM) is an aggressive human brain tumor (WHO grade III).
- The biological behavior of canine PM remains poorly understood.
Observation:
- This study analyzed 16 canine PM cases, correlating histopathology with clinical follow-up.
- Immunohistochemistry assessed doublecortin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin expression.
- The supratentorial compartment was the most frequently affected area.
Findings:
- Despite a low histological grade, 87.5% of surgically treated dogs experienced tumor recurrence.
- Intratumoral necrosis strongly correlated with histological malignancy and recurrence.
- Mean survival time post-surgery was significantly lower compared to other meningioma subtypes.
- Conservative treatment alone yielded similar poor outcomes.
- Aggressive tumors exhibited high N-cadherin and low/absent E-cadherin expression.
Implications:
- Canine PM exhibits aggressive behavior, characterized by high recurrence rates and reduced survival.
- Histopathological features like necrosis are critical prognostic indicators.
- N-cadherin and E-cadherin expression may serve as biomarkers for predicting clinical behavior in canine meningiomas.
