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Bilateral pheochromocytoma in a 13yr old, MN Pit Bull Terrier

Case Of the Month

Bilateral pheochromocytoma in a 13yr old, MN Pit Bull Terrier

A 13-year-old MN Pit Bull terrier was presented for evaluation of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic, and weight loss.  Abnormalities on physical examination were dental tartar and possibly a heart murmur.

A 13-year-old MN Pit Bull terrier was presented for evaluation of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic, and weight loss.  Abnormalities on physical examination were dental tartar and possibly a heart murmur.

DX

Bilateral pheochromocytoma

Outcome

Bilateral pheochromocytoma is suspected in this patient. Urine catecholamines are warranted to confirm suspicion of pheochromocytoma. Otherwise, 25-gauge FNA of the left and right adrenal glands could be considered if the sonographer is comfortable. FNA of the liver would be warranted to assess for metastatic disease with oncology consult. Serial blood pressure measurements are warranted.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Organ failure/disease – liver, kidney, pancreas
GI tract – neoplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, foreign body, parasitic enteritis
Neoplasia
Cardiac – cardiomyopathy, myocarditis

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Bilateral adrenal masses with bilateral phrenic and early CVC invasion.
Passive congestion liver pattern.
Concurrent pancreatitis.
Minor bladder calculi, non obstructive.
Minor renal calculi, non obstructive.
Thickened stomach.
Pericardial effusion.

Image Interpretation

The urinary bladder presented 2.3 cm of sand accumulation. The bladder wall itself was unremarkable with pinpoint mineralization noted in both kidneys. The patient is likely passing calculi periodically.

The kidneys revealed largely normal size and structure, corticomedullary definition and ratio (cortex 1/3 of medulla) were essentially maintained with some age-related loss of curvilinear patterns regarding the capsule and C/M junction. The cortices presented largely uniform texture with some increased echogenicity expected for his age patient. Medullary structure differed distinctly from that of the cortex and no evidence of pelvic dilation was present. The right kidney measured 6.67 cm.

The right adrenal gland revealed early invasion into the vena cava that extended for approximately 2.8 cm. Hyperechoic nodular changes were noted throughout the right adrenal gland. The right adrenal gland itself measured 3.99 x 2.26 cm with capsular expansion and capsular escape into the vena cava. The right adrenal gland was significantly vascular.  The left adrenal gland was also enlarged and hypervascular with regional phrenic and caval invasion measuring 1.35 cm. A mineralizing mass was deriving from the caudal pole and measured 2.7 cm.

The liver was riddled with multiple, mixed echogenic nodular changes. The largest of which measured 4.5 cm. There is a strong potential for metastatic disease. Passive congestion liver pattern.   Gallbladder edema was noted. 

The stomach was thickened with loss of curvilinear patterns. The gastric wall at the pyloric outflow measured 8.0 mm. The remainder of the intestine was unremarkable.

The pancreas was hypoechoic and irregular with coarse architecture and regional inflammation.

Regional inflammation was noted throughout the cranial abdomen.

Slight pericardial effusion was noted.

Patient Information

Patient Name : Rosco Brewer
Gender : Male, Neutered
Species : Canine
Status : For Review
Liz Wuz Here : Yes

Clinical Signs

  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

Exam Finding

  • Dental disease
  • Heart Murmur

Images

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Clinical Signs

  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss