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Cardiac Rhabdomyoma in Four Göttingen Minipigs
Laine E Feller1,2, Aaron Sargeant3, E J Ehrhart3
1Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Göttingen minipigs are increasingly used as an alternative large animal model in nonclinical toxicology studies, and proliferative lesions in this species are rare. Here, we report four cases of cardiac rhabdomyoma in Göttingen minipigs, an incidental and benign mass in the heart. Three cases lacked gross observations and had a microscopic nodule in either the left ventricle or interventricular septum. The last case had a large, firm, raised nodule on a left ventricular papillary muscle noted at necropsy, with additional microscopic intramural masses in the left ventricular wall. In all cases, microscopic evaluation revealed well-circumscribed, expansile nodules composed of bundles of large, highly vacuolated, ovoid to polygonal cells with variable cytoplasmic processes radiating from a centrally located nucleus. Cells displayed patchy accumulation of intracytoplasmic, PAS-positive material and haphazardly arranged cytoplasmic cross-striations. There was no evidence of cardiac insufficiency or other data to suggest the masses were clinically meaningful. Cardiac rhabdomyomas have been reported in meat-hybrid swine, with a breed predisposition in red wattle. This lesion is well established in guinea pigs, but documentation in other laboratory species used in toxicologic studies is limited to two beagle dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous cardiac rhabdomyoma in Göttingen minipigs.
Insights
This study reports the first cases of cardiac rhabdomyoma, a rare benign heart tumor, found in Göttingen minipigs used in toxicology studies. These incidental findings highlight a new consideration for this important animal model.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Göttingen minipigs are a significant large animal model in nonclinical toxicology.
- Proloferative lesions are uncommon in this species.
- Cardiac rhabdomyomas are benign cardiac tumors with known occurrences in other species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the occurrence and characteristics of cardiac rhabdomyomas in Göttingen minipigs.
- To assess the clinical significance of these lesions in the context of toxicology studies.
- To contribute to the understanding of spontaneous lesions in this laboratory animal model.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of necropsy and histopathology findings in Göttingen minipigs.
- Gross examination of cardiac tissues.
- Microscopic evaluation of cardiac lesions, including cellular morphology and staining characteristics (PAS).
Main Results:
- Four cases of cardiac rhabdomyoma were identified in Göttingen minipigs.
- Lesions ranged from microscopic nodules to a large, palpable mass on a papillary muscle.
- Histopathology revealed characteristic features of rhabdomyoma, including vacuolated cells with cross-striations.
- No clinical signs of cardiac insufficiency were associated with the tumors.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous cardiac rhabdomyoma is a newly identified, incidental finding in Göttingen minipigs.
- These benign lesions are unlikely to impact the outcome of toxicology studies.
- This report expands the known spontaneous pathology of Göttingen minipigs.
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