Hypertensive nonobstructive hydrocephalus as main magnetic resonance imaging feature in a dog with disseminated choroid plexus carcinomatosis

J Vet Intern Med. 2023 Jul-Aug;37(4):1493-1500. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16737. Epub 2023 May 24.

Abstract

Obstructive or nonobstructive hypertensive hydrocephalus is reported in choroid plexus tumors. Choroid plexus tumors typically present as T2-weighted hyperintense intraventricular masses with occasional cerebrospinal fluid-drop metastasis. Acquired neoplastic nonobstructive hydrocephalus without visible mass lesion in magnetic resonance imaging is not reported in dogs. A 4.5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback presented with reduced mental status, unilaterally absent pupillary light reflex, and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a nonobstructive hydrocephalus and widened lumbar subarachnoid space with no evidence of a primary mass lesion. Postmortem examination confirmed a disseminated choroid plexus tumor affecting the ependyma and choroid plexi of all ventricles and the cerebral and lumbar subarachnoid space. Disseminated choroid plexus carcinomatosis should be considered as a possible cause of hypertensive hydrocephalus even in absence of a primary mass.

Keywords: brain imaging; canine; disseminated carcinoma; intracranial neoplasia; magnetic resonance imaging; neuroimaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma* / complications
  • Carcinoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma* / veterinary
  • Choroid Plexus / diagnostic imaging
  • Choroid Plexus / pathology
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms* / complications
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Choroid Plexus Neoplasms* / veterinary
  • Dog Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Dogs
  • Hydrocephalus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrocephalus* / veterinary
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary