CT and MRI characteristics of presumptive hypervitaminosis A in a cat

A rescued stray cat with an unknown history was examined for non-ambulatory paraparesis in the hindlimbs. Survey radiographs revealed typical findings of hypervitaminosis A, characterised by vertebral exostoses and extensive osteophytes, mainly in the cervicothoracic spine. CT findings were consistent with the radiographic findings, and CT-based volume rendering and virtual endoscopy into the vertebral canal were created for three-dimensional visualisation of the lesion. MRI revealed a focal and mild dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord. Although the clinical diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A is based on an unusual dietary history and characteristic radiographic findings, the history of this cat was unknown and serum concentrations of vitamin A were unremarkable, when measured >1 month after rescue. However, other possible differential diagnoses were thought to be unlikely and clinical signs never worsened, and thus, hypervitaminosis A was presumed.

To our knowledge, this is the first report to present the CT and MRI characteristics of a cat with suspected hypervitaminosis A.