A retrospective study of structural brain lesions identified by magnetic resonance imaging in 114 cats with neurological signs

Research (Published online: 17-09-2023)

13. A retrospective study of structural brain lesions identified by magnetic resonance imaging in 114 cats with neurological signs

Kreevith Prompinichpong, Naris Thengchaisri, Nirut Suwanna, Bordin Tiraphut, Wutthiwong Theerapan, Jörg M. Steiner, and Panpicha Sattasathuchana

Veterinary World, 16(9): 1871-1879

Kreevith Prompinichpong: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Naris Thengchaisri: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Nirut Suwanna: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Bordin Tiraphut: Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Wutthiwong Theerapan: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Jörg M. Steiner: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Gastrointestinal Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA.

Panpicha Sattasathuchana: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.

Background and Aim: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used as a non-invasive modality to evaluate neurological organ structures. However, brain MRI studies in cats with neurological signs are limited. This study evaluated the association between patient characteristics, neurological signs, and brain lesion locations identified by MRI. Blood profiles of cats with presumptive inflammatory and structural brain lesions were also determined.

Materials and Methods: Medical records of 114 cats that underwent brain MRI were retrospectively reviewed. Cats were categorized into five groups based on the location of their lesion: Cerebrum, brainstem, cerebellum, multifocal, and non-structural. Patient characteristics, neurological signs, and hematological profiles were obtained from their medical records. Disease classification was categorized based on their etiologies. Associations were determined using Fisher's exact test. Blood parameters were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: A total of 114 cats met the inclusion criteria. Lesions were identified in the cerebrum (21.1%), brainstem (8.8%), cerebellum (6.1%), multifocal (39.5%), and non-structural (24.6%) of the cats. Common neurological signs included seizure activity (56.1%), cerebellar signs (41.2%), and anisocoria (25.4%). The most common brain abnormality was inflammation (40.4%). There was no significant difference in hematological profiles between cats with presumptive inflammatory and non-inflammatory brain lesions. Neutrophils, platelets, total protein, and globulin concentrations were higher in cats with structural brain lesions.

Conclusion: The most common neurological signs and brain disease category were seizure activity and inflammation, respectively. However, the hematological profile did not predict inflammatory and structural brain lesions. Further studies with a large number of birds are required to molecularly characterize the circulating strains of this virus in this area.