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Cardiac involvement secondary to mediastinal lymphoma in a cat: regression with chemotherapy
Julia L Shih1, Stephen Brenn1, Donald P Schrope1
1Oradell Animal Hospital, 580 Winters Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.
Insights
A cat diagnosed with mediastinal lymphoma invading its heart showed positive response to chemotherapy, resolving clinical signs and echocardiographic abnormalities. This case highlights a rare presentation and treatment outcome in veterinary oncology.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mediastinal lymphoma is a common cancer in cats.
- Cardiac involvement by mediastinal lymphoma is rare.
- Neoplastic invasion of the heart can lead to significant cardiovascular compromise.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old domestic short hair cat presented with mediastinal lymphoma.
- Neoplastic cells infiltrated the atria, atrial septum, and aortic root.
- Right ventricular outflow tract narrowing was observed due to tumor invasion.
Findings:
- Chemotherapy led to the resolution of echocardiographic abnormalities.
- Clinical signs associated with cardiac compromise improved following treatment.
- The cat was euthanized 58 days post-diagnosis due to unrelated neurologic signs.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of mediastinal lymphoma with direct myocardial invasion and a positive response to chemotherapy in veterinary literature.
- It suggests that chemotherapy can be a viable treatment option for feline lymphoma involving cardiac structures.
- Further research into cardiac manifestations of lymphoma in felines is warranted.
Abstract:
Mediastinal lymphoma with neoplastic invasion into the heart was diagnosed in a 9-year-old castrated male domestic short hair cat. The neoplastic infiltrate was seen throughout the atria and atrial septum, surrounded the aortic root, and resulted in narrowing of the right ventricular outflow tract. Chemotherapy resulted in resolution of the echocardiographic abnormalities and the cat's clinical signs until the patient was euthanized 58 days later following development of neurologic signs. Mediastinal lymphoma with myocardial invasion and response to chemotherapy has not been documented previously in the veterinary literature.
