Biomedical subjects

Francesca Abramo

Publications and source records attributed to Francesca Abramo.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Feline cutaneous toxoplasmosis: a case report.

A 9-year-old female, domestic short hair cat was presented with sudden onset of polyuria/polydipsia, and hundreds of cutaneous nodules. Prior to referral, the cat had had four skin nodules that were treated with steroids. The four skin nodules then multiplied to form more than 100 ulcerated and nonulcerated nodules located all over the trunk. Clinical evaluation revealed hypothermia and respiratory distress. Cytology from both skin nodules and bronchoalveolar lavage showed macrophages and small organisms whose shape and size were indicative of Toxoplasma spp., or similar organisms. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) serology results were negative. The cat was seropositive for Toxoplasma (IgG 1 : 640) and Neospora (1 : 80) infections. The cat died soon after referral. Necropsy revealed pyothorax, necrotic/purulent pneumonia, haemorrhagic spots on kidneys and mesentery. Histopathology from skin nodules showed diffuse, deep necrotic dermatitis/panniculitis, vasculitis and disseminated free and grouped protozoa. The parasites were found in lungs, spleen, kidneys and liver. Immunohistochemistry on skin tissue with anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies gave positive results with both. Electron microscopy showed single and grouped tachyzoites with morphological features of T. gondii, often within macrophages. Samples of cutaneous nodules and bronchoalveolar fluid were examined by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting apicomplexa coccidia. PCR results were consistent only with T. gondii infection. Therefore, immunohistochemistry positivity for N. caninum was considered a cross-reaction and a diagnosis of cutaneous and visceral toxoplasmosis was made.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Feline cutaneous and visceral necrotizing panniculitis and steatitis associated with a pancreatic tumour.

The association of pancreatic disorders with fat necrosis in domestic animals is rare. This report concerns a case of cutaneous/subcutaneous necrotizing panniculitis and steatitis associated with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma in an 11-year-old male Siamese cat. Clinical investigation revealed variably sized nodules on the trunk, limbs and abdomen. Some of them were ulcerated; others showed a shiny yellow necrotic background featuring irregular sinus tracts. The cat was euthanized at the owner's request before a diagnosis could be made. At necropsy, abundant oily material resembling mustard replaced the subcutaneous tissue and small yellow nodules were disseminated in the omentum, mesentery and serosa of the abdomen. A multilobulated mass arising from the anterior pancreatic head was found along with liver and lymph node metastasis. Histopathology showed wide fistulous tracts draining necrotic fat from the subcutis toward the surface and multifocal areas of necrotic adipocytes replacing the panniculus. Duct-like structures and tubules lined by neoplastic epithelial cells were observed in the primary pancreatic tumour and in the metastatic sites. The aetiology of the fat necrosis was possibly the result of systemic release of lipolytic pancreatic enzymes.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2005

Immunohistochemical analysis of the distribution of desmoglein 1 and 2 in the skin of dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution of desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 2 in skin specimens obtained from dogs and cats to provide information about the possible role of the density of Dsg 1 and 2 in the localization of lesions attributable to pemphigus foliaceus in these 2 species. SAMPLE POPULATION: Skin biopsy specimens obtained from 4 dogs and 4 cats. PROCEDURE: Biopsy specimens were collected from the muzzle, bridge of the nose, ear, dorsum, abdomen, area adjacent to the teats, and footpads of each animal. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin samples by use of a biotinylated mouse monoclonal anti-Dsg 1 and 2 antibody raised against bovine muzzle. Color development was performed by use of the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method with a chromogenic substrate. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining yielded a positive reaction in skin samples obtained from all anatomic sites. The intensity and distribution of staining were related to the number of layers of the stratum spinosum. No differences were detected between samples obtained from dogs and cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No differences in intensity of Dsg 1 and 2 antigen were observed in the stratum spinosum between skin samples obtained from dogs and cats. Analysis of this result suggests that factors other than the distribution of Dsg may be responsible for the differences in localization of primary clinical lesions in dogs and cats with pemphigus foliaceus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Feline lymphangiosarcoma--definitive identification using a lymphatic vascular marker.

Three cases of feline exudative dermatitis associated with lymphangiosarcoma are described. The animals, an 11-year-old, neutered male and two 10-year-old, neutered female short hair European cats, presented with a 2-month history of transparent liquid oozing from the skin of the groin and caudal abdomen. On physical examination the neutered male cat and one of the females were slightly depressed and showed loss of weight. Skin lesions were similar in all cats and characterized by the presence of alopecia and moist dermatitis in the ventral abdomen, groin and inner thigh. The hair at the periphery appeared matted by the fluid. In all three cases, histopathological examination of skin biopsies from the abdomen identified poorly defined neoplasia involving dermis and subcutis, characterized by proliferation of spindle cells aligned along pre-existing collagen bundles. The dissection of collagen bundles gave rise to irregular shaped anastomosing, often blind-ending vascular channels and trabeculae. Vascular spaces were mostly optically empty. These histological features were strongly suggestive of lymphangiosarcoma. Neoplastic cells were positive for the blood vascular marker Von Willebrand factor, and a lymphatic vascular marker LYVE-1 (Lymphatic Vessel Endothelial receptor - 1), demonstrating the mixed vascular origin of the tumour. Ultrastructural findings confirmed the final diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2004

Papular eosinophilic/mastocytic dermatitis (feline urticaria pigmentosa) in Devon Rex cats: A distinct disease entity or a histopathological reaction pattern?

A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously described in Sphinx cats under the name of urticaria pigmentosa is reported in five unrelated Devon Rex cats. Physical examination revealed erythematous, occasionally crusted papules, with a bilaterally symmetrical linear distribution on the latero-ventral trunk in two cases and a diffuse distribution on the ventral thorax in the other three cats. One cat also had a greasy seborrhoea on the head and dorsum. Pruritus and pigmented macules were present only in cats affected by secondary bacterial infection. Histological examination of papules in all cats and of the lesional skin of the cat affected by greasy seborrhoea revealed the presence of a perivascular to diffuse mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. The mean numbers of nondegranulated and degranulated mast cells per mm(2) were 303.2 and 451.6, respectively. The condition waxed and waned in all cats, and exacerbations were controlled with prednisolone or essential fatty acids.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Feline cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma (Merkel cell tumour): clinical and pathological findings.

A case of a feline Merkel cell tumour is described. An 8-year-old, female cat developed a round, alopecic, reddish mass on the nose. Wide excisional surgery was performed with cartilage resection. Histologically the mass was composed of solid islands of mostly basophilic densely packed cells with a scant cytoplasm, which was suggestive of a neuroendocrine origin. Results of immunohistochemical studies using antibodies against neurone-specific enolase, chromogranin, synaptophysin and pan-cytokeratin allowed classification of the lesion as a Merkel cell tumour. Ultrastructurally, dense core granules were identified in the cytoplasm. In a 2-year follow-up no relapses or metastases were observed. The clinical course recorded is in contrast with the malignant nature of a Merkel cell tumour recently described in a cat and of the human Merkel cell tumour, but is similar to the course of the canine Merkel cell tumour which is often benign. Early diagnosis along with the use of wide surgical excision might be considered an important factor in preventing relapse of this tumour.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Feline leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum in Italy.

A case of leishmaniosis in domestic cats (Felis catus domesticus) is described. The subject showed a nodular lesion on the eyelid. The diagnosis was achieved by serological, parasitological, and light and electron microscopic investigations. By molecular techniques the aetiological agent was identified as belonging to Leishmania infantum, the species implicated in human and canine leishmaniosis in southern Europe. A preliminary study on the prevalence of asymptomatic feline leishmaniosis, performed in the areas where the infected cat was identified, revealed a low seroprevalence of infection: only 1 (0.9%) of the 110 cat sera examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test was positive for anti-Leishmania antibodies. Because clinical signs in feline leishmaniosis are unspecific and similar to those observed in other diseases commonly found in this species, leishmaniosis must be added to the differential diagnosis by feline veterinary practitioners and adequate serologic and histopathologic investigations must be performed in endemic areas.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Primary cutaneous extragenital canine transmissible venereal tumour with Leishmania-laden neoplastic cells: a further suggestion of histiocytic origin?

The clinical signs and histopathological features of a primary extragenital canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) are described. Three subcutaneous round alopecic nodules were located on the anterior and caudal dorsal region and in the ventral area of the neck. Cytologically, tumour cells were intermediate in size with a moderate amount of cytoplasm, and the nuclei were immature with finely reticular chromatin. The cytoplasm was lightly to heavily basophilic and contained distinct small vacuoles at the periphery. On the basis of these characteristics, a diagnosis of TVT was made and confirmed by histological and ultrastructural investigations. Leishmania amastigotes were detected in the cytoplasm of macrophages and neoplastic cells of the tumoral mass. The presence of the parasite within neoplastic cells is consistent with a histiocytic origin of TVT.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Pemphigus foliaceus in a goat.

A 7-year-old-female goat was referred with a 3-month history of chronic dermatitis, which partially responded to combined corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy. At dermatological examination diffuse alopecia, pustules and crusts were observed on the head, neck, dorsum and perianal area. Dermatophyte culture and skin scrapings were negative. Trichoscopic examination revealed a concurrent infestation with Damalinia caprae, which was successfully treated with ivermectin. Cytological examination of pus from intact pustules revealed nondegenerate neutrophils, absence of bacteria and numerous nucleated, irregularly shaped keratinocytes. Histopathological examination of lesional skin revealed intracorneal pustules containing neutrophils and acantholytic cells, and a mixed cell superficial perivascular dermatitis. Immunohistochemical stains of lesional skin showed intercellular IgG deposits in the spinous layer. Remission of the dermatitis was obtained with injectable dexamethasone-21-isonicotinate, every two months for one year. This is the first report to describe the cytological appearance of impression smears from intact pustules of pemphigus foliaceus in a goat and to document the presence of IgG deposits in lesional skin by means of immunohistochemistry.

Alopecia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Primary conjunctival mast cell tumor in a Labrador Retriever.

A 4-year-old, intact male Labrador Retriever with a rapidly progressive conjunctival mass was evaluated. Ocular examination showed a 2-cm elongated mass arising from the superior bulbar conjunctiva of the left eye. The mass resulted in distortion of the palpebral fissure and contacted the superior aspect of the cornea without modifying its structure; no adhesion to the sclera was detected. The superior palpebral conjunctiva was unaffected, and the remaining ocular examination was normal. The initial diagnostic work-up included CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, and fine needle biopsy of the mass. A poorly differentiated mast cell tumor was diagnosed by cytology. Immunocytochemistry was performed to evaluate Ki-67 proliferation index, and 54/1000 tumoral nuclei showed a dark red staining. After a complete clinical staging, the mass was excised and identified histologically as a grade-II mast cell tumor. An adjuvant treatment with prednisone and vinblastine was instituted because of the limited excisional margins. No evidence of local recurrence or metastasis has been apparent during the 29-month follow-up period. This report contributes to the current literature pertaining to canine conjunctival mast cell tumors; unfortunately, the paucity of case reports and the absence of large studies regarding this tumor make conclusions regarding its biologic behavior impossible.

Animals↗