Clinical and pathological presentation of squamous metaplasia of the rete ovarii in a Zebu cow

Abstract

Squamous metaplasia of rete ovarii is characterized by replacement of the normal cuboidal epithelium of rete ovarii by a keratinized stratified scamous epithelium, leading to accumulation of keratinized material within the tubules and cystic dilatation of rete ovarii. The present study decribes a case of scamous metaplasia of rete ovarii in a 10 year old Zebu cow, including clinical, surgical, ultrasonographic, histopathological and hormonal findings. At first ultrasound examination the cow had lightly asymmetric ovaries with follicles presenting echogenicity similar to luteinized follicular cysts. After transvaginal follicular aspiration creamy yellowish sanguineous-purulent content was recovered. After unilateral ovariectomy the ovary was sectioned and brownish viscous material drained from cystic cavity. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosid of squamous metaplasia of the rete ovarii. Progesterone concentrations assessed by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay within different time periods after ovariectomy showed that pathology did not compromise normal luteal ovarian activity in a contralateral reminiscent ovary.

Squamous metaplasia of the rete ovarii do not suppress ovarian cyclicity and pregnancy in cattle: case report

“…Histopathological findings in this case were quite similar to previously reported cases of squamous metaplasia of the rete ovarii (Santos et al, 2012;Borges et al, 2016). Epidemiologic data on prevalence and predisposing factors for metaplasia of the rete ovarii is missing, but this case along with the previously reported cases all affecting Zebu cows (Santos et al, 2012;Borges et al, 2016), support the notion that Zebu or crossbreed Zebu cows may be predisposed to the development of this lesion.…”

“…In spite of cystic changes occupying extensive areas in both ovaries, Santos et al (2012) confirmed that the cow maintained ovarian cyclic activity, as evidenced by a mature and apparently functional corpus luteum and ovarian follicles in the ovary affected by the lesion. More recently, a second report by Borges et al (2016) confirmed ovarian luteal activity with clinical, gynecological and endocrinological assessment in a Zebu cow, which confirmed that the cow was able to maintain ovarian follicular growth and ovulation followed by the development of a functional corpus luteum, as confirmed by normal blood levels of progesterone assessed by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. In this case report we diagnosed ovarian cystic changes, secondary to squamous metaplasia of the rete ovarii, associated with follicles, dark brown older corpora albicantia indicating previous ovulations, a mature corpus luteum, associated with early pregnancy.…”

Epidermoid Polycystic Ovaries and Uterine Hypoplasia in a Cow

“…[9] e Borges et al [2] relataram que os cistos dermoides podem confundir-se com metaplasia escamosa de rete ovarii devido à similaridade de algumas características, como a presença do epitélio estratificado queratinizado e a presença de material queratínico no interior dos cistos. Contudo, na metaplasia escamosa de rete ovarii há presença de epitélio cuboidal, simples ou duplo e no cisto dermoide o epitélio de revestimento é estratificado contendo debris queratínicos no lúmen.…”