Chemodectoma in a bitch

Background: Chemodectomas, better known as tumors of the base of the heart, arise from aortic bodies, respiratory chemoreceptors located near or inside the aortic arch or originate from receptors located in the carotid arteries. Relatively rare, they affect dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. They gain great importance when they influence the function of the cardiovascular system, with animals showing clinical signs related to congestive heart failure. Clinical diagnosis is based on symptomatology and complementary tests such as radiography, electrocardiography and echocardiography, while the definitive diagnosis is obtained by cytological and histopathological exams. This study aims to reports a case of malignant chemodectoma in a bitch, whose main symptomatology was neurological and not cardiovascular. Case: A 1-year-old Rottweiler bitch was attended with neurological alterations compatible with vestibular syndrome, hyporexia, dysphagia, apathy, melena, emesis, and purulent nasal discharge on the right nostril. On physical examination, the animal showed depressed level of consciousness, poor body condition, bilateral quemosis, paralysis of the right eye, inspiratory dyspnea and muffling of cardiac auscultation, besides a subcutaneous nodule between the scapulae. On neurological evaluation, horizontal nystagmus, head tilt to the right side, ventromedial strabismus and facial nerve paralysis on the right side were observed so that the localization of the lesion was set in peripheral vestibular system. During anesthesia for esophageal tube placement, a mass from the hard palate to the oropharynx was noted, making endotracheal intubation impossible to perform. Biopsy of this nodule was performed, and tracheostomy was indicated, but the owner opted for euthanasia before the procedure. Necropsy revealed white soft masses in the bilateral retromandibular region, on the subcutaneous tissue near the scapulae, in the right ear and since nasopharynx to the soft palate, in addition to sparse white nodules in the heart, lung, carotid artery, kidneys, right ovary, mesentery near to the spleen, and axillary lymph node. Histologically, the nodules were characterized by neoplastic cells population organized in short bundles or cords, arranged around small blood vessels surrounded by delicate connective tissue. Neoplastic cells infiltrated muscles and blood and lymphatic vessels were filled by multiple neoplastic emboli. The histological pattern of the cells allowed the diagnosis of chemodectoma. Discussion: The bitch from this case had 1-year-old when diagnosed with chemodectoma, differently from most cases from literature, that are between 7 to 15 years old. Furthermore, primarily cardiac tumors are considered rare, being chemodectoma the most common, often reported in Boxer and Boston Terrier dogs, but unusual in Rottweilers. Despites some articles mentioning seizure and Horner's Syndrome secondary to a carotid body chemodectoma, neurological signs are not commonly observed in these cases. The presence of the tumor in the middle ear region of the right side supports the occurrence of peripheral vestibular syndrome and facial nerve paralysis on the same side. Because it is a neoplasm that is usually detected late during the course of the disorder, most patients either cannot obtain diagnosis in vivo, as in this reported animal, which was in such a critical condition that underwent euthanasia, or there are no more possible therapeutic choices. In the patient described, there were numerous metastatic masses and nodules spread throughout the body. Although the typical clinical signs in animals with chemodectomas are often related to heart disease, neurological signs may also be present. This report emphasizes the importance of chemodectoma being included as a differential diagnosis in young dogs and even in breeds such as Rottweiler.

Hemangiossarcoma associado a quimiodectoma em cadela Pit Bull idosa / Hemangiosarcoma associated with chemodectoma in an old Pit Bull bitch

Background: The prevalence of neoplasms in domestic animals has been augmenting over the years. Hemangiosarcoma, which most frequently affects large breed dogs, is a neoplasm with high metastatic power and corresponds to 5% of malignant neoplasms. Chemodectoma, a neoplasm that can have malignant or benign behavior, is uncommon, corresponding to less than 8% of all cardiac tumors, and originates from cardiac chemoreceptor cells and involves mainly the aortic and carotid bodies. The aim of this study is to describe the case of an elderly Pit Bull dog with hepatic hemangiosarcoma and chemodectoma associated with four other different tumors: hemangioma, papilloma, mastocitoma and melanoma. Case: A 14-year-old female Pit Bull, castrated, was presented to Veterinary Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos Campus, Brazil. The owner referred apathy, hyporexia, and increased abdominal volume for two weeks. Physical examination showed emaciation and abdominal effusion. Abdominocentesis was performed, three liters of serosanguineous fluid was drained and a sample was sent for analysis. Complementary tests were requested and showed mild hypoalbuminemia, normocytic normochromic anemia, and lymphopenia. The ultrasound examination revealed thickening of vessels and hepatomegaly, in addition to the presence of an oval structure containing hyperechogenic cavitations. Diagnostic exploratory laparotomy was indicated, but the owner refused. Drug therapy was prescribed in a palliative manner and, during the clinical follow-up period, two abdominocentesis procedures and one thoracentesis procedure were performed, both resulting in simple transudate. Finally, the patient developed severe apathy, edema in all limbs, and died at home. Necroscopic examination was done and revealed hemoperitoneum and hemothorax...

Hemangiossarcoma associado a quimiodectoma em cadela Pit Bull idosa / Hemangiosarcoma associated with chemodectoma in an old Pit Bull bitch

Background: The prevalence of neoplasms in domestic animals has been augmenting over the years. Hemangiosarcoma, which most frequently affects large breed dogs, is a neoplasm with high metastatic power and corresponds to 5% of malignant neoplasms. Chemodectoma, a neoplasm that can have malignant or benign behavior, is uncommon, corresponding to less than 8% of all cardiac tumors, and originates from cardiac chemoreceptor cells and involves mainly the aortic and carotid bodies. The aim of this study is to describe the case of an elderly Pit Bull dog with hepatic hemangiosarcoma and chemodectoma associated with four other different tumors: hemangioma, papilloma, mastocitoma and melanoma. Case: A 14-year-old female Pit Bull, castrated, was presented to Veterinary Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos Campus, Brazil. The owner referred apathy, hyporexia, and increased abdominal volume for two weeks. Physical examination showed emaciation and abdominal effusion. Abdominocentesis was performed, three liters of serosanguineous fluid was drained and a sample was sent for analysis. Complementary tests were requested and showed mild hypoalbuminemia, normocytic normochromic anemia, and lymphopenia. The ultrasound examination revealed thickening of vessels and hepatomegaly, in addition to the presence of an oval structure containing hyperechogenic cavitations. Diagnostic exploratory laparotomy was indicated, but the owner refused. Drug therapy was prescribed in a palliative manner and, during the clinical follow-up period, two abdominocentesis procedures and one thoracentesis procedure were performed, both resulting in simple transudate. Finally, the patient developed severe apathy, edema in all limbs, and died at home. Necroscopic examination was done and revealed hemoperitoneum and hemothorax...(AU)

Paraganglioma de corpo aórtico em cão / Aortic body paraganglioma in dog

Background: Aortic body paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms that develop mainly in aortic and carotid bodies. It has been supposed that genetic factors and chronic hypoxia may stimulate tumor development. The brachycephalic dog breeds, as Boxer, are most predisposed to present this neoplasm. The clinical symptomatology is related to tumor size and localization. Usually aortic body paraganglioma has benign biological behavior, when it is malignant, rarely promotes metastases. The aim of this study was to report a case of the aortic body paraganglioma as death cause in a dog. Case: A canine, 10-year-old, male, cross breed, presented clinical signs as anorexia, emesis, cough, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. After death the animal was examined at the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia. On necropsy, no pericardial effusion was identified, however pleural and abdominal effusion was observed, volume like 1000 and 700 mL, respectively. The heart had a neoplasm near the left atrium, it measured 6.5 x 8.2 cm, had irregular surface, firm consistency, grayish color, and at the cut showed infiltration in the myocardium, as well as obstruction of the left atrial lumen and left ventricle concentric hypertrophy. No distant metastases were found. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of polyhedral morphology cells, eosinophilic cytoplasm, spherical and hyperchromatic nucleus. Cells were grouped into lobes separated by fibrovascular stroma, large cells (less uniform cells), low mitotic rate and myocardial infiltration. On immunohistochemical analysis anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin and anti-S-100 antibodies were used. Tumour cells stained was absent for anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin, but was anti-S-100 positive. A case of malignant aortic body paraganglioma grade II was diagnosed.[…](AU)

Paraganglioma de corpo aórtico em cão / Aortic body paraganglioma in dog

Background: Aortic body paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms that develop mainly in aortic and carotid bodies. It has been supposed that genetic factors and chronic hypoxia may stimulate tumor development. The brachycephalic dog breeds, as Boxer, are most predisposed to present this neoplasm. The clinical symptomatology is related to tumor size and localization. Usually aortic body paraganglioma has benign biological behavior, when it is malignant, rarely promotes metastases. The aim of this study was to report a case of the aortic body paraganglioma as death cause in a dog. Case: A canine, 10-year-old, male, cross breed, presented clinical signs as anorexia, emesis, cough, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. After death the animal was examined at the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia. On necropsy, no pericardial effusion was identified, however pleural and abdominal effusion was observed, volume like 1000 and 700 mL, respectively. The heart had a neoplasm near the left atrium, it measured 6.5 x 8.2 cm, had irregular surface, firm consistency, grayish color, and at the cut showed infiltration in the myocardium, as well as obstruction of the left atrial lumen and left ventricle concentric hypertrophy. No distant metastases were found. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of polyhedral morphology cells, eosinophilic cytoplasm, spherical and hyperchromatic nucleus. Cells were grouped into lobes separated by fibrovascular stroma, large cells (less uniform cells), low mitotic rate and myocardial infiltration. On immunohistochemical analysis anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin and anti-S-100 antibodies were used. Tumour cells stained was absent for anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin, but was anti-S-100 positive. A case of malignant aortic body paraganglioma grade II was diagnosed.[…]

Paraganglioma de corpo aórtico e carotídeo / Aortic and carotid body paraganglioma / Paraganglioma de cuerpo aórtico y carótida

Os paragangliomas são neoplasias de células neuroendócrinas (Paraneurônios) do sistema parassimpático (Paraganglia), e ocorrem normalmente no corpo aórtico (base do coração) e carotídeo (pescoço). São tumores raros, frequentemente benignos, que podem raramente metastatizar. Raças braquiocefálicas e animais que vivem em elevadas altitudes são mais predispostos ao desenvolvimento de paragangliomas. Esta revisão bibliográfica objetiva-se descrever as manifestações clínicas, etiopatogenia, formas de diagnóstico e tratamento dos paragangliomas.(AU)

The paraganglioms are neoplasms of neuroendocrine cells (Paraneurons) of the parasympathetic system (Paraganglia). Normally occur on the aortic (base of heart) and carotid (neck) bodies. They are rare tumors, frequently beginners and its rarely able to metastasize. Braquicephalics breeds and animals that live in high altitudes are more predisposed to developing paraganglioms. This bibliographic review describes clinical manifestation, etiopathogeny and types of diagnosis and treatment of the paraganglioms.(AU)

Los paragangliomas son neoplasias de las células neuroendocrinas (Paraneuronas) del sistema parasimpático (Paraganglios) y ocurren normalmente en el cuerpo aórtico (base del corazón) y carótida (cuello). Son tumores raros, frecuentemente benignos, que pueden raramente ocurrir metástasis. Razas braquiocefálicas y animales que viven en altas altitudes son más predispuestos al desenvolvimiento de paragangliomas. Esta revisión bibliográfica describe las manifestaciones clínicas, etiopatogenia, método de diagnóstico y tratamiento de los paragangliomas.(AU)

Chemodectoma in dogs: a case report / Quemodectoma em cães: relato de caso

Chemodectoma is a neoplasm arising from the carotid and aortic bodies, having neuroectodermic origin. It has been related mainly in human beings and dogs. Among the later, the brachiocephalics are the most susceptible, mainly the ones older than six. This case reports a seven year old, male Boxer dog, presenting convulsion and dry cough. The animal died and it was sent to the Pathological Anatomy Section of the Department of Pathology at FMVZ-USP. The post-mort examination revealed the presence of hemopericardium, pulmonar oedema, hepatic and renal congestion and gall bladder oedema, but the most important feature found was the presence of 4 oviform tumoral masses, within the toracic cavity. The histopathology revealed a solid tissue, essentially cellular, with lobules delimitated by delicate septa arising from bands of thick connective tissue. The neoplastic cells presented an homogeneous aspect characterized by a round or polyhedral shape with an excentric and evident nucleoli. There were few mitosis, without atypical signes. The micro and macroscopics aspects are compatible with a chemodectoma diagnosis.

O quemodectoma é uma neoplasia derivada dos corpos aórticos e carotídeos, tendo origem neuroectodérmica. Tem sido relatado com maior freqüência em humanos e cães. Destes, os animais braquicefálicos são os mais susceptíveis, notadamente em faixa etária superior a 6 anos. O presente relato se refere a um animal de espécie canina, de raça Boxer, macho, de 7 anos de idade, apresentando histórico de quadro convulsivo e tosse seca. O animal veio a óbito e foi encaminhado ao setor de Anatomia Patológica do Departamento de Patologia da FMVZ-USP. O exame macroscópico evidenciou a presença de hemopericárdio, congestão e edema pulmonares, congestão hepática, renal e edema de vesícula biliar. Porém, o achado macroscópico mais significativo foi a presença de 4 formações tumorais ovaladas na cavidade torácica. O exame histopatológico das formações evidenciou um tecido sólido, altamente celular, com a delimitação de lóbulos através de trabéculas conjuntivas espessas, que emitiam septos delicados subdividindo-os. As células tumorais apresentaram-se uniformes, tendo um formato poliédrico, com núcleo grande esférico, geralmente excêntrico; nucléolo evidente, e cromatina finamente granular; citoplasma de dimensões variáveis e granulação acidofílica delicada. Foi observado pequeno número de figuras mitóticas sem sinais de atipia. Os quadros macro e microscópicos são compatíveis com o diagnóstico d