Brain Tumors in Cats: How Effective is MRI?
Study shows MRI to be valuable in early, accurate detection of feline brain tumors
Intracranial, or central nervous system (CNS), tumors are, for unknown reasons, recognized less frequently in cats than in other small animals. Already a challenge to diagnose, analysis of spinal fluid and skull radiography rarely produce a clear diagnosis. However, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have the capability to better detect tumors. An article from the September 2004 issue of DVM Magazine analyzed the results of a major study conducted on whether MRI is effective in detecting CNS tumors in cats (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Feline Intracranial Neoplasia: Retrospective Analysis of 46 Cats. J Vet Intern Med 2004; 18:176-189).
MRI visualized brain tumors in 98 percent of the cats studied, and the results of this study were astonishing.
- In 82 percent of these cases, MRI correctly predicted the tumor diagnosis.
- Meningioma, the most common extra-axial tumor type seen in cats (58 percent) had a 96 percent accuracy rate in diagnosis.
- MRI appears to be extremely useful in predicting CNS tumor type before surgery, biopsy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be prescribed.
Clearly, the expansion of MRI technology into veterinary medicine not only allows for a faster, more efficient, surgical-free diagnosis, but also results in more effective treatment and a longer, happier, healthier life for patients
To learn more about the study and the patterns of MRI characteristics discovered among intra-axial and extra-axial tumors, please click here.
