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Labyrinthitis Ossificans in a Cynomolgus Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Gayathriy Balamayooran1, Hannah M Atkins1, Christopher T Whitlow2
1Department of Pathology–Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Comparative Medicine
|April 14, 2018
Summary
Labyrinthitis ossificans, a rare inner ear condition, was identified in a cynomolgus macaque. This case highlights potential infectious causes and associated neurological signs in non-human primates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Labyrinthitis involves inner ear inflammation, potentially leading to labyrinthitis ossificans where tissues are replaced by bone.
- Common causes include infections and inflammation, with profound hearing loss as a serious complication in humans.
- This condition has not been well-documented in non-human primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of labyrinthitis ossificans in a cynomolgus macaque.
- To describe the clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings.
- To explore potential infectious etiologies in this primate model.
Main Methods:
- A cynomolgus macaque with a history of chronic catheterization presented with neurological signs (head tilt, incoordination).
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to diagnose labyrinthitis.
- Histopathological examination post-euthanasia revealed chronic labyrinthitis ossificans, fibroplasia, and vestibuloauditory neuritis.
Main Results:
- The macaque exhibited persistent head tilt and incoordination, refractory to initial treatment.
- MRI confirmed right-sided labyrinthitis.
- Histopathology confirmed chronic labyrinthitis ossificans with associated inflammation.
Conclusions:
- This case demonstrates labyrinthitis ossificans in a cynomolgus macaque, suggesting potential infectious origins.
- The findings contribute to understanding inner ear pathology in non-human primates.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate infectious triggers and disease mechanisms.
