Case Study

Lymphoma diagnosed by FNA in a 9 year old MN DSH cat

A 9-year-old MN DSH was presented for weight loss. The cat was febrile on physical exam (temperature of 105.0F). A blood chemistry profile revealed hyperbilirubinemia 4.1, hypermagnesemia 2.6 and elevated liver enzyme activities (elevated SAP, elevated ALT, and elevated AST).

DX

Lymphoma

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Chronic inflammatory hepatopathy and mesenteric root lymphadenopathy. Cholangiohepatitis or lymphoma (due to lymphatic involvement) is suspected. Other neoplasia such as mast cell disease is less likely.

Image Interpretation

The liver is coarse with increased portal markings suggestive for chronic inflammatory hepatopathy and potential emerging lymphoma or similar neoplasia. Echogenic omentum is present associated with the caudal border of the liver capsule. This finding is suggestive for leakage of inflammatory mediators through the hepatic capsule. The spleen was uniformly enlarged. Mesenteric root lymph nodes are enlarged and encompass the ileocecal region.