Thorax

Allison Zwingenberger

University of California, Davis

Publication Date: 2012-01-04

History

1.5 year old female neutered cat with history of vomiting and coughing, with increased respiratory sounds.

  
   

Question

  1. What are possible causes of the pulmonary pattern?

    inflammatory disease
    correct
    aspiration pneumonia
    Aspiration pneumonia is unlikely with this distribution of disease.
    Neoplasia
    Neoplasia is less likely with the age of the patient and appearance of the lesions.

Findings

There are multiple areas of ill-defined interstitial to alveolar pattern throughout the lungs. This region in the left cranial lung lobe is causing a lobar sign. The lungs overall have an interstitial appearance. The cardiovascular structures are normal, and there is no evidence of pleural effusion.

DDx

The most likely cause of the pulmonary disease is an infectious inflammatory process such as fungal pneumonia. Noninfectious inflammatory disease may also be considered.

Diagnosis

Fine needle aspirates of the lungs and serology revealed a fungal infection (Cryptococcus). After two months of antifungal treatment, radiographs showed a marked improvement of the pulmonary pattern.

Files