Surgical management of subependymoma in a cat

Abstract

A 10‐year‐old, domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 7‐month history of anorexia and 2‐month history of severe obtundation. Neurological examination revealed proprioceptive ataxia and decreased postural reactions in the four limbs. On magnetic resonance imaging, a contrast‐enhanced mass lesion dorsal to the obex region was found, causing cerebellar and brainstem compression. The mass was aspirated by an ultrasonic aspirator and complete removal was achieved. After surgery, the mental status and appetite of the cat was markedly improved. On histopathological examination, the mass was diagnosed as subependymoma. The cat was neurologically normal, and no recurrence was observed on magnetic resonance imaging 3 months postoperatively. There was no evidence of clinical recurrence at 8 month postoperative follow‐up by telephone interview. This is the first description of surgical management of subependymoma in a cat. Subependymoma is a benign tumour in cats, and the prognosis is expected to be good after surgical management as reported in humans.

Immunohistochemical analyses of neural stem cell lineage markers in normal feline brains and glial tumors

“…37 Subependymomas in humans and cats have an eosinophilic fibrillary matrix and are immunopositive for GFAP. 7,51,59 In addition, the microvilli of human subependymomas express NHERF1, similar to those of ependymomas. 7,15,37 These findings indicate that subependymoma is an intermediate tumor between astrocytoma and ependymoma.…”

“…8,59 Feline subependymomas have not been as extensively examined as gliomas and ependymomas. 18,51,59 Human subependymomas have ultrastructural features of astrocytic and/or ependymal cells. 37 Subependymomas in humans and cats have an eosinophilic fibrillary matrix and are immunopositive for GFAP.…”

“…8,59 Feline subependymomas have not been as extensively examined as gliomas and ependymomas. 18,51,59 Human subependymomas have ultrastructural features of astrocytic and/or…”