Multimodality imaging characteristics and surgical management of a biliary cystadenoma in a cat
Emine Kirim1, Mehmet Emre Topcu2, Munevver Senel3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey. eminekirimm@gmail.com.
Insights
This case study details a rare biliary cystadenoma in a cat, a liver tumor that proved fatal despite surgical removal. It underscores the diagnostic challenges and guarded prognosis for these feline hepatic neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Oncology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Biliary cystadenomas are uncommon hepatobiliary tumors in felines.
- These tumors arise from cystic proliferation of bile duct epithelium.
- Clinical presentation often includes abdominal distension and vomiting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of biliary cystadenoma in a cat.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes.
- To emphasize the importance of histopathology in feline liver tumor diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic imaging including ultrasound, CT, and MRI.
- Preoperative hematological and biochemical assessments.
- Surgical resection of the gallbladder and affected liver lobes.
- Postoperative supportive care and histopathological examination.
Main Results:
- Imaging revealed a large, multilocular cystic mass involving multiple hepatic lobes.
- Postoperative biochemical abnormalities indicated hepatic dysfunction.
- Histopathology confirmed biliary cystadenoma.
- The patient's condition deteriorated post-surgery, leading to death within one week.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing biliary cystadenomas from malignant hepatic neoplasms presents diagnostic challenges in cats.
- Histopathological evaluation is crucial for definitive diagnosis of feline liver tumors.
- Surgical resection is the primary treatment, but prognosis is influenced by lesion extent and postoperative complications.
Abstract:
Biliary cystadenomas are rare hepatobiliary tumors in cats and are usually characterized by cystic proliferation of the bile duct epithelium. A ten-year-old castrated male British Shorthair cat was brought to the clinic with complaints of abdominal distension and intermittent vomiting. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large, multilocular cystic mass involving multiple hepatic lobes. Hematological and biochemical examinations revealed mild preoperative changes. Postoperative biochemical abnormalities consistent with hepatic dysfunction were observed. Under general anesthesia, resection of the gallbladder, including multiple liver lobes, was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of biliary cystadenoma. Despite surgical resection and postoperative supportive care, the patient's general condition deteriorated, and the patient died one week after the operation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of distinguishing biliary cystadenomas from malignant hepatic neoplasms and the importance of histopathological evaluation for definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, while surgical resection is the gold standard of treatment, the extent of the lesion and postoperative complications significantly influence prognosis.