Case Study

Duodenal carcinoma in a 7 year old MN DSH cat

A 7 year old MN DSH cat was presented for decreased appetite and weight loss. On physical examination, weight loss and a grade II-III/VI systolic heart murmur were evident. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry included anemia, neutrophilia, hypocholesterolemia, and elevated CPK activity. T4, and FeLV/FIV were all normal.

A 7 year old MN DSH cat was presented for decreased appetite and weight loss. On physical examination, weight loss and a grade II-III/VI systolic heart murmur were evident. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry included anemia, neutrophilia, hypocholesterolemia, and elevated CPK activity. T4, and FeLV/FIV were all normal.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Duodenal mass. Possibilities include carcinoma, lymphoma, other neoplasia, granulomatous lesion.

Image Interpretation

A focal and hypoechoic mural duodenal mass was evident with reactive hyperechoic surrounding fat associated with the serosa. Regional lymphadenopathy was noted. Neoplastic criteria are met due to detail loss and the fact that this is a focal duodenal lesion.

DX

Duodenal carcinoma

Outcome

The patient was referred to an oncologist who initiated chemotherapy. The patient was euthanized a month and a half later.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Murmur – anemia, cardiomyopathy, valve pathology. Neoplasia – intra-thoracic/GI tract. Anemia – blood loss (GI tract), decreased production (bone marrow pathology), increased destruction (mycoplasmosis, IMHA, neoplasia).