Open AccessClinicopathological characteristics of histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system in dogs
Author(s) -
Toyoda Izumi,
Vernau William,
Sturges Beverly K.,
Vernau Karen M.,
Rossmeisl John,
Zimmerman Kurt,
Crowe Chelsea M.,
Woolard Kevin,
Giuffrida Michelle,
Higgins Robert J.,
Dickinson Peter J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.15673
Subject(s) - medicine , histiocytic sarcoma , pathology , sarcoma , histiocyte , central nervous system
Background Histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS HS) in dogs may present as primary or disseminated disease, often characterized by inflammation. Prognosis is poor, and imaging differentiation from other CNS tumors can be problematic. Objective To characterize the clinicopathological inflammatory features, breed predisposition, and survival in dogs with CNS HS. Animals One hundred two dogs with HS, 62 dogs with meningioma. Methods Retrospective case series. Records were reviewed for results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CBC, treatment, and outcome data. Results Predisposition for CNS HS was seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Corgis, and Shetland Sheepdogs ( P ≤ .001). Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs had predominantly primary tumors; Rottweilers had exclusively disseminated tumors. Marked CSF inflammation was characteristic of primary rather than disseminated HS, and neoplastic cells were detected in CSF of 52% of affected dogs. Increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios were seen in all groups relative to controls ( P <.008) but not among tumor subtypes. Definitive versus palliative treatment resulted in improved survival times ( P < .001), but overall prognosis was poor. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Clinicopathological differences between primary and disseminated HS suggest that tumor biological behavior and origin may be different. Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to primary CNS HS, characterized by inflammatory CSF. High total nucleated cell count and the presence of neoplastic cells support the use of CSF analysis as a valuable diagnostic test. Prognosis for CNS HS is poor, but further evaluation of inflammatory mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic opportunities.