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Presumptive primary cardiac lymphoma in a cat causing pericardial effusion

Nako Shinohara1, John M Macgregor, Anthony Calo

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Foster Hospital for Small Animals, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.

Journal of Veterinary Cardiology : the Official Journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of primary cardiac lymphoma in a cat is presented, leading to pericardial effusion. Diagnosis was confirmed via cytology, and chemotherapy was initiated for this feline heart tumor.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Primary cardiac lymphoma is an uncommon malignancy in domestic animals.
  • Pericardial effusion can be a clinical sign of cardiac masses in cats.
  • Diagnostic challenges exist for identifying heart tumors in feline patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of primary cardiac lymphoma in a cat.
  • To describe the diagnostic process for feline cardiac neoplasia.
  • To highlight the clinical presentation and initial management of cardiac lymphoma.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was used to detect a heart mass and pericardial effusion.
  • Pericardiocentesis and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate were performed.
  • Cytology of pericardial fluid provided the antemortem diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • A 13-year-old Himalayan cat presented with weight loss and cardiomegaly.
  • Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion and a cardiac mass.
  • Cytological analysis confirmed primary cardiac lymphoma.

Conclusions:

  • Primary cardiac lymphoma should be considered in cats with unexplained pericardial effusion and cardiomegaly.
  • Antemortem diagnosis is achievable through fine needle aspirate and cytology.
  • Chemotherapy offers a treatment option for feline cardiac lymphoma.

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