Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Apr 2021)

Case Report: Use of PET/CT to Guide Treatment in a Cat With Presentation Consistent With Hodgkin's-Like Lymphoma

  • Carolyn L. Chen,
  • Matthew R. Cook,
  • Megan E. Brown,
  • Sarah Lumbrezer-Johnson,
  • Eric T. Hostnik,
  • Janis M. Lapsley,
  • Phillip Lerche,
  • Vincent A. Wavreille,
  • Maria I. Menendez,
  • Michael V. Knopp,
  • Sarah C. Linn,
  • Christopher Premanandan,
  • Laura E. Selmic

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.619264
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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An 8-year-old male neutered Domestic Long Hair cat was presented for a cervical swelling that was suspected to be an enlarged left retropharyngeal lymph node. In the absence of other lymphadenopathy, this was initially suspected to be Hodgkin's-like lymphoma. A positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) scan was performed using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) to assess for evidence of disease in other locations to guide treatment. Multifocal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was identified, indicating disease in multiple organs. High-grade lymphoma was confirmed on tissue biopsy. As such, systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy was recommended instead of lymph node extirpation surgery. The cat received a modified CHOP chemotherapy protocol and attained a temporary partial remission. After 2 months of treatment, the cat stopped responding to chemotherapy and was eventually euthanized due to a relapse of disease and decreased quality of life. This case describes the utility of PET/CT to guide treatment in a cat with a presentation consistent with Hodgkin's-like lymphoma.

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