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Oliveira J, Dias MJ, Fontes AP, Englar RE, Vicente G, Ferreira RL, Galac S, Leal RO. Ultrasonographic Detected Adrenomegaly in Clinically Ill Cats: A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080420. [PMID: 36006335 PMCID: PMC9413254 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of ultrasonographic detected adrenomegaly in clinically ill cats, evaluating the final established diagnosis, describe adrenal ultrasound findings and if the adrenomegaly was suspected or incidental. Abdominal ultrasonography reports of cats presenting to a veterinary teaching hospital between October 2018 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Cats showing adrenomegaly (one or both glands having a dorsoventral axis >4.8 mm) were selected and medical records respectively evaluated. Nine-hundred and eighty-three ultrasonographical reports were selected, of which, 68 (7%) disclosed adrenomegaly. European/Domestic Short-Hair (62/68; 91%) male (44/68; 65%) castrated (35/44; 80%) cats were overrepresented. Adrenomegaly was an incidental finding in 62/68 (91%) cats while in 6/68 (9%) it was identified in the context of investigating a potential adrenal disease. Concerning established diagnosis, chronic kidney disease was overrepresented (25/68; 37%), followed by endocrinopathies (20/68; 29%). Adrenomegaly was bilateral in 53% (36/68) of cases. In unilateral cases (32/68; 47%), it was more prevalent on the left side (23/32; 72%), with a normal-sized contralateral adrenal gland. Left adrenal demonstrated a larger size and a tendency to oval shape. This study assesses the prevalence of adrenomegaly in clinically ill cats, reinforcing it can be an incidental ultrasound finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Oliveira
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Joana Dias
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Fontes
- School of Healthcare, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ryane E. Englar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, 1580 E Hanley Blvd., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, USA
| | - Gonçalo Vicente
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Lemos Ferreira
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Galac
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rodolfo Oliveira Leal
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Tardo AM, Reusch CE, Galac S, Fornetti S, Tirolo A, Golinelli S, Shehdula D, Fracassi F. Feline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone: validation of a chemiluminescent assay and concentrations in cats with hypercortisolism, primary hypoadrenocorticism and other diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:67-73. [PMID: 32478637 PMCID: PMC10741360 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20925686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to validate a commercially available chemiluminescent assay for measurement of feline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration (ACTH), to determine the normal reference interval (RI) of plasma ACTH in healthy cats, to assess plasma ACTH in cats with naturally occurring hypercortisolism (HC), primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) and other diseases (OD), and to evaluate the effect of aprotinin on plasma ACTH degradation. METHODS Forty healthy cats, 10 with HC, 11 with PH and 30 with OD, were included. The chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay was evaluated by measurement of intra-assay precision, interassay precision and linearity. The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was established using robust methods. Plasma ACTH of samples collected with and without aprotinin, stored at 4°C and assayed over a 6-day period, was measured. RESULTS The intra-assay coefficients of variance (CVs) ranged from 2.7% to 4.3% and interassay CVs from 3.3% to 10.7%. Dilution studies showed excellent accuracy (R2 >0.99). The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was 32-370 pg/ml. Plasma ACTH was not significantly different between healthy cats and the OD group. Cats with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) and PH had significantly higher plasma ACTH than the other groups. Plasma ACTH did not show significant differences when samples collected with and without aprotinin were compared. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The Immulite chemiluminescent assay is a valid technique for measuring plasma ACTH in cats and the RI of plasma ACTH is quite wide. Owing to the low overlap between healthy or OD cats and cats with HC or PH, the measurement of plasma ACTH appears to be useful and should be included in the diagnostic work-up when HC or PH are suspected. Furthermore, the measurement of plasma ACTH may be an accurate test for differentiating PDH from adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Tardo
- Department of Veterinary Medical
Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia E Reusch
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal
Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Galac
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty
of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Fornetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical
Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tirolo
- Department of Veterinary Medical
Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Golinelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical
Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dardan Shehdula
- Department of Veterinary Medical
Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Fracassi
- Department of Veterinary Medical
Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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Cook AK, Evans JB. Feline comorbidities: Recognition, diagnosis and management of the cushingoid diabetic. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:4-16. [PMID: 33403912 PMCID: PMC11163885 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20979507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common feline endocrinopathy, and is often driven by underlying insulin resistance with associated pancreatic beta (β)-cell dysfunction. Although spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) with hypercortisolemia (hypercortisolism) is relatively uncommon in cats, it is a well-established cause of insulin resistance and is routinely associated with DM in this species. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Many of the clinical signs associated with feline HAC are subtle and may be attributed to concurrent DM or the aging process. Failure to recognize HAC in the diabetic cat can impact patient wellbeing and predispose the patient to progressive compromise. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis of HAC, as test results may be influenced by poor diabetic regulation, and protocols are different to those used in canine patients. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, and often require careful, ongoing assessment and modulation of both adrenal function and insulin requirements. However, various approaches have been shown to either improve glycemic control in cats with sustained insulin dependence, or facilitate diabetic remission. EVIDENCE BASE This review summarizes the current literature on feline HAC, with a particular focus on cats with concurrent DM. The clinical findings that suggest HAC are discussed, along with an outline of diagnostic options and their limitations. Published outcomes for various medical options, surgical procedures and radiation therapy are provided. The authors also share their thoughts on the safe and effective management of cats with HAC and DM, with an emphasis on the anticipation and recognition of changing insulin requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey K Cook
- BVM&S, MSc Vet Ed, MRCVS, Dip ACVIM-SAIM, Dip ECVIM-CA, Dip ABVP (Feline)
| | - Jeremy B Evans
- DVM, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Benchekroun G, de Fornel-Thibaud P, Rosenberg D. Proopiomelanocortin processing and prohormone convertase 1 level in dogs with pituitary corticotroph tumors. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 62:83-87. [PMID: 29145000 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary data suggest that prohormone convertase 1 (PC1/3) protein expression and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) processing are altered in large corticotroph tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize the levels of ACTH precursors and PC1/3 protein in small and large corticotroph tumors of dogs with Cushing's disease. Pituitary tumors of dogs with Cushing's disease were collected postmortem 30 min to 12h after natural death or euthanasia, and classified as small or large. POMC, pro-ACTH, and PC1/3 were detected by Western blotting. Five small and 6 large corticotroph tumors were collected. POMC and pro-ACTH signals were visualized in 5/6 large tumors and in 4/5 small tumors. The strongest signal intensity was observed in 2 large tumors. The PC1/3 signal was weak to undetectable in 6/6 large tumors but strong in 5/5 small tumors. These results suggest differences in PC1/3 protein levels and patterns of POMC processing between large and small corticotroph tumors. If confirmed in larger groups of tumors, further studies will be required to characterize the mechanism involved in these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Benchekroun
- Unité de Médecine Interne, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - P de Fornel-Thibaud
- Unité de Médecine Interne, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - D Rosenberg
- Unité de Médecine Interne, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Boland LA, Barrs VR. Peculiarities of feline hyperadrenocorticism: Update on diagnosis and treatment. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:933-947. [PMID: 28838299 PMCID: PMC11128894 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x17723245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Practical relevance: Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is a relatively uncommon endocrinopathy of older cats, with a mean age at diagnosis of 10 years. In addition to pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism, clinical signs of HAC can result from adrenal sex steroid-producing tumours. Clinical challenges: While HAC in cats has many similarities to canine HAC, there are key differences in presentation, diagnosis and response to therapy. Most, but not all, cats with HAC have concurrent diabetes mellitus, which is often insulin resistant. Up to a third of cats with HAC have extreme skin fragility and are at high risk of debilitating iatrogenic skin tears during diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Infections of the skin and nail beds, and urinary, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, secondary to cortisol-induced immune suppression, are also common. Cats respond differently to dogs to adrenal function tests including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation and dexamethasone suppression tests; a 10-fold higher dose of dexamethasone is recommended in cats to screen for HAC. Curative treatment options include adrenalectomy or transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Radiation or medical treatment may improve clinical signs. The response to mitotane therapy is poor. While trilostane is the medical treatment of choice based on retrospective studies, investigations into the pharmacokinetics of this drug in cats are lacking. Global importance: Feline HAC occurs worldwide and is not associated with any purebreed predisposition. Although uncommon, adrenal sex steroid-producing tumours have a higher prevalence in cats than in dogs. Evidence base: The information in this review is drawn from over 180 reported cases of feline HAC. Reports investigating clinical presentation, clinicopathological findings and treatment outcomes are observational, retrospective multiple case series (EBM grade III) or single case reports (EBM grade IV). While most endocrine testing studies for diagnosis are cohort controlled analytical studies (EBM grade III), prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled studies have been performed (EBM grade I).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Boland
- Valentine Charlton Cat Centre, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa R Barrs
- Valentine Charlton Cat Centre, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, and Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Valentin SY, Cortright CC, Nelson RW, Pressler BM, Rosenberg D, Moore GE, Scott-Moncrieff JC. Clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and treatment outcome in cats with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism: 30 cases. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:481-7. [PMID: 24433386 PMCID: PMC4858028 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is rare in cats. Clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and response to various treatment options must be better characterized. Objectives To report the clinical presentation, clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic imaging results, and response to treatment of cats with HAC. Animals Cats with spontaneous HAC. Methods Retrospective descriptive case series. Results Thirty cats (15 neutered males, 15 spayed females; age, 4.0–17.6 years [median, 13.0 years]) were identified from 10 veterinary referral institutions. The most common reason for referral was unregulated diabetes mellitus; dermatologic abnormalities were the most frequent physical examination finding. Low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test results were consistent with HAC in 27 of 28 cats (96%), whereas ACTH stimulation testing was suggestive of HAC in only 9 of 16 cats (56%). Ultrasonographic appearance of the adrenal glands was consistent with the final clinical diagnosis of PDH or ADH in 28 of 30 cats (93%). Of the 17 cats available for follow‐up at least 1 month beyond initial diagnosis of HAC, improved quality of life was reported most commonly in cats with PDH treated with trilostane. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Dermatologic abnormalities or unregulated diabetes mellitus are the most likely reasons for initial referral of cats with HAC. The dexamethasone suppression test is recommended over ACTH stimulation for initial screening of cats with suspected HAC. Diagnostic imaging of the adrenal glands may allow rapid and accurate differentiation of PDH from ADH in cats with confirmed disease, but additional prospective studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Valentin
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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Mellett Keith AM, Bruyette D, Stanley S. Trilostane therapy for treatment of spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism in cats: 15 cases (2004-2012). J Vet Intern Med 2013; 27:1471-7. [PMID: 24011349 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical treatment with trilostane improves clinical signs, causes unclear insulin requirement changes, and variable survival times in cats. OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To characterize the long-term efficacy of trilostane in treating cats with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). ANIMALS Fifteen client-owned cats with spontaneous HAC. METHODS Multicenter descriptive retrospective study with a search performed on all medical records for cats diagnosed with spontaneous HAC. RESULTS Clinical signs (13 of 15 cats) and ACTH stimulation testing results (13 of 15) improved with trilostane therapy. Diabetes mellitus was reported in 9/15 cases. Insulin requirements decreased by 36% within 2 months in 6/9 diabetic cats. Median survival time was 617 days for all cats (range 80-1,278 days). Complications included weight loss, urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, seizures, and recurrent pancreatitis. Hypocortisolemia was documented in 1 case. Cause of death occurred as a result of nonadrenal or nondiabetic illnesses (renal failure, seizures [caused by hypoglycemia or unknown]), or lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Trilostane ameliorates clinical signs of HAC in cats, is tolerated well in the long term, and can lead to improved regulation of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Mellett Keith
- Section of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Eiler K, Bruyette D, Behrend E, Kemppainen R, Kass P. Comparison of Intravenous versus Intramuscular Administration of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone in Healthy Cats. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 27:516-21. [PMID: 23480784 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K.C. Eiler
- VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital; Los Angeles CA
| | - D.S. Bruyette
- VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital; Los Angeles CA
| | - E.N. Behrend
- Department of Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL
| | - R.J. Kemppainen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology ; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL
| | - P.H. Kass
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction; University of California; Davis CA
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Hypersomatotropism, Acromegaly, and Hyperadrenocorticism and Feline Diabetes Mellitus. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013; 43:319-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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