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Published on: May 22, 2021
Intracerebral papillary ependymoma in a cow
Stefano Bagatella1,2, Ronja Kauer1,3, Margherita Polidori1,4
1Division of Neurological Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Summary
This study details a rare bovine papillary ependymoma, a brain tumor in cattle. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis, differentiating it from other intracranial neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Neuro-oncology
- Comparative Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial neoplasms are uncommon in cattle.
- Bovine ependymomas are rarely documented, lacking detailed morphology and immunohistochemical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the gross, histologic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of a bovine papillary ependymoma.
- To provide a comprehensive characterization of this rare brain tumor in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Gross examination of a large, intraparenchymal brain mass in a cow.
- Histologic evaluation revealing papillary architecture and perivascular pseudorosettes.
- Immunohistochemical analysis using markers including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin.
Main Results:
- A well-demarcated, intraparenchymal mass was identified in the left cerebral hemisphere.
- Histology showed features consistent with papillary ependymoma.
- >95% of neoplastic cells expressed GFAP, with ~20% positive for vimentin.
- Absence of markers for other cell types ruled out morphologic mimics.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a diagnosis of papillary ependymoma in a bovine case.
- This study provides crucial immunohistochemical data for diagnosing bovine ependymomas.
- The characterization aids in differentiating ependymomas from other bovine brain tumors.
