Characteristics of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid associated with intracranial meningiomas in dogs: 56 cases (1985-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine CSF characteristics associated with intracranial meningiomas in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
56 dogs with intracranial meningiomas.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of intracranial meningioma, in which CSF analysis had been performed, were reviewed. Information concerning total nucleated cell counts (TNCCs) and differential nucleated cell counts, RBC counts, and total protein concentration in CSF; seizure history and glucocorticoid administration; and location of meningiomas was recorded.


RESULTS
TNCCs < 5 cells/microL were detected in 41 of 56 (73%) dogs; 5 of 56 (9%) dogs had TNCCs > 50 cells/microL. Analysis of CSF revealed predominantly neutrophilic pleocytosis in < 20% of dogs. There was a significant association between meningioma location (caudal portion of the cranial fossa or middle and rostral portion of the cranial fossae) and increased TNCCs (> or = 5 cells/microL).


CONCLUSIONS
Results were significantly different from those routinely reported in the veterinary literature. Neutrophilic pleocytosis, especially with TNCCs > 50 cells/microL, was not typical in CSF samples from dogs with intracranial meningiomas. Neutrophilic pleocytosis may not be detected in CSF samples from dogs with meningiomas located within the middle or rostral portion of the cranial fossae.
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Peter J
PJ
Dickinson
Beverly K
BK
Sturges
Philip H
PH
Kass
Richard A
RA
LeCouteur
D000818:Animals; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D002946:Cisterna Magna / Q000166:cytology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D004285:Dogs; D004900:Erythroblasts; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008579:Meningioma / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins