Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma with visceral metastases in a White Carneau pigeon and literature review

Abstract

Cutaneous leiomyosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin and are reported occasionally in avian species. A 14-y-old male laboratory White Carneau pigeon ( Columba livia) was presented for surgical excision of a cervical soft tissue mass. Ultrasonography with color flow Doppler imaging revealed multiple cavitations of mixed echogenicity within the mass and vascularization. Histologically, the dermis and subcutis were expanded by a densely cellular multinodular mass comprised of fusiform cells forming haphazardly arranged broad streams and short interwoven bundles, often surrounding blood vessels and variably sized cavitations. Neoplastic cells were strongly immunopositive for desmin and α–smooth muscle actin, and negative for pancytokeratin, S100, and von Willebrand factor. Based on histopathology and IHC findings, the cutaneous mass was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The pigeon died 312 d post-operatively. Postmortem examination revealed masses infiltrating the left and right pulmonary airways and one hepatic nodule, but no regrowth at the surgical site. Histologic and IHC evaluation of the pulmonary and hepatic masses were consistent with LMS, representing metastatic foci from the primary cutaneous LMS. Our case highlights the malignant behavior and histomorphologic features of cutaneous LMS in an avian species.

Beak fracture associated with leiomyosarcoma in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus): a case report and literature review

“…The final diagnosis was made based on the histologic findings and strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling for α-SMA and vimentin, with a lack of immunolabeling for MyoD1, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and desmin (29). A cutaneous leiomyosarcoma was described in the cervical region of a 14-year-old male White Carneau pigeon (Columba livia) in which the diagnosis was confirmed by positive immunolabeling for desmin and α-SMA and lack of immunolabeling for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, S100, and von Willebrand factor (23). There are also two reports of cutaneous leiomyosarcomas in budgerigars that include one on the caudal coelom of a 6-year-old female and one in the right wing of a 5-year-old female (31).…”

“…The differentiation between benign and malignant tumors is based on mitotic activity and cellular atypia (1). While most leiomyosarcomas in birds arise from visceral organs, few case reports describe cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas in birds (23). In contrast to visceral leiomyosarcomas, these reports noted a rapid clinical progression of neoplastic disease with metastasis to visceral organs (23).…”

“…Leiomyosarcomas in birds are most frequently reported in the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract with occasional reports of cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas (23,24). Leiomyosarcomas are typically locally invasive with infrequent metastasis to the liver, spleen, bone marrow and thorax (23)(24)(25)(26)(27).…”

“…Leiomyosarcomas in birds are most frequently reported in the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract with occasional reports of cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas (23,24). Leiomyosarcomas are typically locally invasive with infrequent metastasis to the liver, spleen, bone marrow and thorax (23)(24)(25)(26)(27). In this case, positive immunolabeling of the neoplastic cells for α-SMA (a smooth muscle marker), supported a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma with a primary localization to the beak.…”

“…While most leiomyosarcomas in birds arise from visceral organs, few case reports describe cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas in birds (23). In contrast to visceral leiomyosarcomas, these reports noted a rapid clinical progression of neoplastic disease with metastasis to visceral organs (23). A cutaneous leiomyosarcoma was reported in a 4-yearold female ornamental pigeon (fantail) with multiple metastases to the liver, pancreas, and lungs (29).…”