Case Of the Month

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with marked necrosis in an 11-year-old MN DSH cat: Our Case Of the Month March 2017

An 11-year-old, 15 lb, MN, DSH cat was presented for a hernia and decreased appetite. Indoor only cat since a kitten and FELV/FIV negative as a kitten. CBC and blood chemistry showed WBC 20.66, neutrophils 17.29, low normal HCT/RBC/hemoglobin, platelets 1229.

DX

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with marked necrosis and autolysis.

Outcome

Abdominocentesis and Cytospin as well as Ultrasound-guided FNA of the hypoechoic portion of the pancreas was recommended. The patient was lost to his disease. A necropsy was performed.

Comments

A very special thanks to Dr. Anthony Rodriguez, VMD and Practice Owner, Foxfield Veterinary Services, Downingtown, PA for his amazing images and for providing great care for this and his many other patients. Dr. Rodriguez was an SDEP attendee and continues to scan with efficiency and style utilizing the SDEP progression.

Sampling

Mass sampled at time of necropsy.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Ascites and nodular, irregular pancreas and omentum. Multiple biliary calculi; non-obstructive. Strong suspicion for pancreatic carcinomatosis or similar. Severe pancreatitis with necrosis possible, yet less likely.

Image Interpretation

The pancreas was enlarged, hypoechoic, and irregular. Nodular omental changes were noted. The pancreas was heterogenous in areas of hypoechogenicity and expansive irregular tissue strongly suggestive for underlyingpotential neoplasia or severe pancreatitis and pancreatic necrosis.