Gliomatosis of the spinal cord in a cat: a case report

Abstract

Gliomatosis cerebri situated in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral segments of the spinal cord was diagnosed in a Persian 10.5-year old tom cat. Clinical manifestation consisted of rump ataxy, weakened posture in the hind limbs, paraparesis, weakened spinal reflexes, no spinal hyperaesthesia or pain, and hypotonia of the urinary bladder. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diffuse hyperintense signal in the thoracolumbar junction and in lumbosacral segments (L6-S1) of the spinal cord. Normal size, form and colour of the spinal cord were apparent at autopsy; however, changes in grey matter shape were recorded on some transversal sections of the spinal cord. Dense, diffuse infiltration of the grey matter and surrounding white matter by glia-like neoplastic cells was histologically demonstrated. Immunohistochemical examination did not enable specification of the origin of the neoplastic cells but their neuroectodermal histogenesis can be assumed. On the basis of MRI, histological and immunohistochemical examinations gliomatosis of the spinal cord was diagnosed.