Clinicopathologic Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 24 Cats With Histopathologically Confirmed...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Feline Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease in cats.
• Antemortem diagnosis of neurologic FIP is challenging due to limited information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe clinicopathologic and MRI findings in cats with confirmed neurologic FIP.
• To improve diagnostic capabilities for feline infectious peritonitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 24 cats with histopathologically confirmed neurologic FIP.
• Analysis of signalment, clinicopathologic data, antemortem CNS MRI, and histopathology.

Main Results:

• Three clinical syndromes identified: myelopathy, central vestibular, and multifocal CNS disease.
• MRI detected abnormalities in all cases, including meningeal and ependymal enhancement, ventriculomegaly, syringomyelia, and foramen magnum herniation.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed increased protein and cell counts; median survival was 14 days.

Conclusions:

• MRI is a sensitive diagnostic tool for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) affecting the CNS.
• Integration of MRI findings with clinical presentation and CSF analysis enhances diagnostic accuracy for neurologic FIP.