Case Study

Pancreatic mineralizing mass in a 16-year-old FS Domestic Short Hair Cat

A 16-year-old SF DSH was presented for evaluation of decreased appetite and weight loss. Current therapy was Cerenia, and mirtazapine. fPL was abnormal.

DX

Enlarged irregular spleen.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Enlarged irregular spleen.

Mineralizing pancreatic mass.

Mildly enlarged liver

Outcome

Ultrasound guided FNA of the pancreatic mass is essential to rule out carcinoma versus pancreatic necrosis and possible abscessation. FNA of the spleen and liver are also warranted to rule out reactive spleen versus underlying infiltrative disease. Guarded prognosis dependent upon cytology.

Comments

The pancreas revealed a mixed, hypoechoic, mineralizing mass that measured 3.5 cm x 1.1 cm with ill-defined, irregular contour. The contours were ill defined. The mass was slightly vascular. Appears to be deriving from the right base. Reactive surrounding fat was visualized. Ultrasound guided FNA essential to rule out carcinoma versus pancreatic necrosis and possible abscessation. The mass was slightly vascular. Appears to be deriving from the right base.

The spleen was mildly enlarged with undulating capsular contour measuring 1.0 cm in width. This is consistent with reactive spleen owing to immune stimulus or early infiltrative disease such as mast cell disease or lymphoma. 25-gauge FNA would be ideal.

The liver presented diffusely hyperechoic with mild coarse architecture. Excessive gall bladder debris was noted with minor over-distention. The common bile duct was normal. This is consistent with lipidosis minor with a potential for neoplasia.

Pancreas – chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, neoplasia, abscess

GIT – neoplasia, IBD, foreign body, ulceration