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[Magnetic resonance imaging findings in 143 epileptic cats]
Elisabeth Riegler1, Ákos Pákozdy2, Andrea Klang3
1Bildgebende Diagnostik, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien.
Objective:
Epilepsy is one of the more common chronic neurological diseases in cats in which MRI plays a key role in the diagnostic work-up. Hippocampal MRI changes are common in cats, however it is unclear whether these changes represent the reason or the consequence of the disease.The goal of the present study was the retrospective analysis of the MRI findings in a large cohort of epileptic cats.
Material And Methods:
In total, 143 cats of 3 age groups (< 1 year, 1-6 years, and > 6 years) were included in the study. MRI findings were divided into 4 categories: normal, with extrahippocampal lesions, and hippocampal signal alterations with or without contrast enhancement. The prevalence and frequency of these MRI findings in the age groups were examined using chi-quadrat test and nominal regression model.
Results:
In approximately one half of the cats (49 %), MRI displayed normal findings. Extrahippocampal changes occurred in 18 % of the animals. Hippocampal alterations were present in 33 % of the cats. Hippocampal sclerosis was found histopathologically in all four MRI categories.
Conclusion And Clinical Relevance:
Brain MRI was normal in approximately 50 % of the epileptic cats. Extrahippocampal changes are expected mostly in cats older than 6 years. The etiology of the hippocampal alterations is unclear in most cases. Further investigations are needed for a better understanding of the hippocampal signal alterations.
Insights
Brain MRI scans revealed normal findings in about half of epileptic cats. Extrahippocampal changes were more common in older cats, while the cause of hippocampal alterations remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition in cats.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing feline epilepsy.
- The origin of hippocampal MRI changes in epileptic cats is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze MRI findings in a large group of epileptic cats.
- To investigate the prevalence of MRI abnormalities in relation to age.
- To explore the relationship between MRI findings and hippocampal sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of MRI scans from 143 epileptic cats.
- Cats were categorized into three age groups: <1 year, 1-6 years, and >6 years.
- MRI findings were classified as normal, extrahippocampal lesions, or hippocampal signal alterations (with or without contrast enhancement).
Main Results:
- Approximately 49% of cats had normal MRI findings.
- Extrahippocampal lesions were observed in 18% of cats.
- Hippocampal alterations were present in 33% of cats, with hippocampal sclerosis confirmed histopathologically across all MRI categories.
Conclusions:
- Brain MRI is normal in about 50% of epileptic cats.
- Extrahippocampal changes are more prevalent in cats over 6 years old.
- The etiology of hippocampal signal alterations in feline epilepsy requires further investigation.
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