Cerebral gliosarcoma with perivascular involvement in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Comparative Oncology
• Neuro-oncology

Background:

• Gliosarcoma is a rare, aggressive brain tumor characterized by glial and mesenchymal components.
• Cerebral tumors in felines are uncommon, making detailed case reports crucial for understanding.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of advanced imaging and histopathological analysis.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with neurological deficits including ataxia and facial tics.
• Brain MRI revealed a heterogeneous mass with edema, suggestive of a neoplastic lesion.
• Histopathology confirmed a biphasic tumor with glial (astrocytic) and mesenchymal (sarcomatous) elements, consistent with gliosarcoma.

Findings:

• Immunohistochemistry confirmed astrocytic differentiation (GFAP-positive) and sarcomatous origin (vimentin-positive).
• Vascular invasion was identified, indicating a high-grade malignancy (WHO grade IV).
• The tumor was located in the rostral commissure and septum pellucidum.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented instance of cerebral gliosarcoma in a feline patient.
• The findings contribute to the understanding of rare brain tumors in veterinary medicine.
• Highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches for feline brain tumors.