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MRI features of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the central nervous system
Claudia Mallol1, Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana2, Gawain Hammond2
1Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain.
Summary
This study details magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Key MRI findings include heterogeneous lesions, susceptibility artifacts, and significant edema, aiding in early diagnosis of this common canine brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Canine Oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Hemangiosarcoma is the most common brain metastatic tumor in dogs.
- Detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) descriptions of canine central nervous system (CNS) hemangiosarcoma are limited.
- Accurate diagnostic imaging is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the MRI characteristics of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the CNS.
- To establish a reference for identifying CNS hemangiosarcoma in dogs.
- To differentiate between intracranial, vertebral, epidural, and intramedullary presentations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multi-center case series.
- Review of medical records from seven referral institutions.
- Histopathologically confirmed canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the CNS with available MRI scans.
- Independent evaluation of MRI lesions by two observers.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one dogs met inclusion criteria; one had both intracranial and intramedullary tumors.
- Consistent MRI features: heterogeneous lesions, mixed signal intensity, T2*w susceptibility artifact, perilesional edema, and heterogeneous/ring-like contrast enhancement.
- Intracranial hemangiosarcoma: often multiple, intra-axial, affecting the telencephalon; no MRI differences between primary and metastatic.
- Vertebral hemangiosarcoma: aggressive, segmental, polyostotic, invading vertebral canal and paraspinal tissues.
- Epidural hemangiosarcoma: single, well-marginated.
- Intramedullary hemangiosarcoma: cervical, metastatic, often with intracranial lesions.
Conclusions:
- Established MRI features aid in the early identification of canine CNS hemangiosarcoma.
- MRI findings can help differentiate various forms of CNS hemangiosarcoma.
- This study provides the first MRI description of primary intracranial hemangiosarcoma and primary intracranial epithelioid hemangiosarcoma.
