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Case Reports
. 2024 Oct 11:46:e005424.
doi: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm005424. eCollection 2024.

Adrenocortical carcinoma in a West White Terrier: clinical and diagnostic approach

Fernanda de Paula Sesti  1 , Gabriel Marchiori Gonzaga  1 , Flávia Maria Tavares Manoel Zimmer  2 , Tatiane Viana de Souza Cruz  3 , Bruno Alberigi  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Adrenocortical carcinoma in a West White Terrier: clinical and diagnostic approach

Fernanda de Paula Sesti et al. Braz J Vet Med. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare condition in dogs. This type of tumor can be functional, hormone-producing, or nonfunctional. Bilateral adrenal tumors are uncommon, whereas unilateral adrenal tumors are more prevalent. Abdominal ultrasonography is crucial for detecting these lesions, which are characterized by heterogeneous parenchymal characteristics. Furthermore, elastography, a technique that assesses tissue stiffness, is useful for differentiating between malignant and benign lesions. This paper describes a case of ACC in a West Highland white terrier. The dog initially presented with dermatological changes and increased adrenal tissue stiffness, as detected by elastography. After additional examinations, including computed tomography, an adrenalectomy was successfully performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ACC. Post-surgical follow-ups included periodic ultrasonography to monitor the remaining adrenal gland. A nodular lesion was identified in the left adrenal gland during the follow-up, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring. This case underscores the significance of an integrated approach, from the initial evaluation to the post-treatment follow-up for the effective management of ACC in dogs.

O carcinoma adrenocortical (ACC) é uma condição rara em cães. Esse tipo de tumor pode ser funcional, produtor de hormônios ou não funcional. Tumores adrenais bilaterais são incomuns, enquanto tumores adrenais unilaterais são mais prevalentes. A ultrassonografia abdominal é crucial para detectar essas lesões, que são caracterizadas por características parenquimatosas heterogêneas. Além disso, a elastografia, uma técnica que avalia a rigidez do tecido, é útil para diferenciar entre lesões malignas e benignas. Este artigo descreve um caso de ACC em um West Highland White Terrier. O cão apresentou inicialmente alterações dermatológicas e aumento da rigidez do tecido adrenal, conforme detectado pela elastografia. Após exames adicionais, incluindo tomografia computadorizada, uma adrenalectomia foi realizada com sucesso. A análise histopatológica confirmou o diagnóstico de ACC. Os acompanhamentos pós-cirúrgicos incluíram ultrassonografia periódica para monitorar a glândula adrenal remanescente. Uma lesão nodular foi identificada na glândula adrenal esquerda durante o acompanhamento, destacando a importância do monitoramento contínuo. Este caso ressalta a importância de uma abordagem integrada, desde a avaliação inicial até o acompanhamento pós-tratamento para o manejo eficaz do ACC em cães.

Keywords: elastography; endocrinology; ultrasonography.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests: FPS, GMG, FMTMZ, TVSC e BRSAS – No conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. B-mode ultrasound analysis of the right adrenal gland, showing heterogeneity of the parenchyma and increased dimensions.
Figure 2
Figure 2. B-mode ultrasound analysis of the right adrenal gland, showing severe parenchymal heterogeneity, mineralization areas in the cranial pole (red circle), and increased dimensions.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Qualitative and semi-quantitative elastography analysis of the right adrenal.
Figure 4
Figure 4. CT image showing ADD (red circle) in close proximity to the caudal vena cava (CCV) and liver. The image was provided by Gamma Vet Centro de Imagem Avançada (Juliana Derenne).
Figure 5
Figure 5. Elastography analysis of the left adrenal gland showing a semi-quantitative comparison between nodular and healthy tissue.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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