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Magnetic resonance imaging features of canine gliomatosis cerebri
Daniela Schweizer-Gorgas1, Diana Henke2, Anna Oevermann3
1Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
A retrospective, case series study was undertaken to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of gliomatosis cerebri in dogs. Fourteen dogs were included by review of histopathological records and contemporaneous MRI. On MRI, all lesions presented as ill-defined, intraaxial lesions within the left and right forebrain hemispheres with involvement of white and gray matter. Lesions presented as hyperintense areas on T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences and as hypointense or isointense areas on T1-weighted images, with mild parenchymal contrast enhancement in three dogs. Signal changes were noted in three to 10 cerebral lobes. Other most commonly affected structures were the thalamus (13), caudate nucleus (13), interthalamic adhesion (11), hypothalamus (11), callosal commissure (10), hippocampus (9), and quadrigeminal plate (8). Abnormalities within the caudal fossa were noted in 10 dogs. Solid tumor portions were identified in five dogs. The histopathological examination demonstrated in all dogs a widespread diffuse infiltration with neoplastic glial cells in white and gray matter with meningeal infiltration. Comparison between MRI and histopathology showed that all areas with signal changes on MRI corresponded to diffuse and dense infiltration with neoplastic cells. The signal intensity on T2-weighted and FLAIR images reflected the density of neoplastic cells. In all dogs, MRI underestimated lesion extent and meningeal infiltration. Involvement of the caudal fossa was not seen on MRI in three dogs. Despite this, MRI allowed identification of lesions extending into at least three cerebral lobes and therefore satisfying the criteria used for diagnosis of diffuse glioma with gliomatosis cerebri growth pattern in humans.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify gliomatosis cerebri in dogs, showing ill-defined forebrain lesions. However, MRI often underestimates the full extent of these diffuse gliomas, especially meningeal infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Veterinary Radiology
- Comparative Oncology
Background:
- Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare, diffuse glioma characterized by widespread infiltration of neoplastic glial cells.
- Accurate diagnosis and assessment of lesion extent are crucial for prognosis and treatment in affected animals.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key diagnostic tool in veterinary neurology, but its characteristics in canine gliomatosis cerebri require detailed understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of gliomatosis cerebri in dogs.
- To compare MRI findings with histopathological results to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and limitations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series involving fourteen dogs diagnosed with gliomatosis cerebri.
- Review of histopathological records and contemporaneous MRI scans (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, contrast-enhanced).
- Analysis of lesion location, signal characteristics, extent, and involvement of specific brain structures.
Main Results:
- MRI revealed ill-defined, intraaxial lesions in the forebrain hemispheres, affecting both white and gray matter.
- Lesions were hyperintense on T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences, hypointense/isointense on T1-weighted images, with variable contrast enhancement.
- MRI underestimated lesion extent and meningeal infiltration compared to histopathology, though it identified lesions spanning at least three cerebral lobes.
Conclusions:
- MRI provides valuable insights into the characteristics of canine gliomatosis cerebri, identifying diffuse forebrain involvement.
- Histopathology remains essential for confirming diagnosis and assessing the full extent, particularly meningeal spread.
- MRI findings correlate with neoplastic cell density, with T2/FLAIR signal intensity reflecting infiltration levels.
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