Cross-sectional imaging characteristics of pituitary adenomas, invasive adenomas and adenocarcinomas in dogs: 33 cases (1988-2006).
BACKGROUND
Pituitary tumors in dogs can be adenomas, invasive adenomas, or adenocarcinomas. In people, invasive adenomas and pituitary adenocarcinomas carry a worse prognosis than adenomas.


OBJECTIVE
To identify differentiating features on cross-sectional imaging in dogs with pituitary adenomas, invasive adenomas, and adenocarcinomas.


METHODS
Thirty-three dogs that had computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed and a necropsy diagnosis of pituitary adenoma (n = 20), invasive adenoma (n = 11), or adenocarcinoma (n = 2).


METHODS
Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, history, and diagnosis. CT and MR images were reviewed for characteristics of pituitary tumors.


RESULTS
Mean (+/- standard deviation) age for dogs with pituitary adenomas (10.6 +/- 2.9 years) was greater than that of those with invasive adenomas (8.3 +/- 2.7 years, P = .04). Eighteen out of 20 (90%) dogs with adenomas had contrast-enhancing masses. Thirteen out of 20 (65%) had homogeneous enhancement. Mean adenoma height was 1.2 +/- 0.7cm. Eight out of 20 (40%) adenomas were round and 8/20 (40%) compressed surrounding brain. Eleven out of 11 dogs (100%) with invasive adenomas had contrast-enhancing masses. Seven out of 11 (64%) masses were homogeneous. Mean invasive adenoma height was 1.8 +/- 0.7 cm, which was significantly greater than adenomas (P = .03). Mass shape varied from round to oval to irregular. Six out of 11 (55%) masses compressed surrounding brain. Clinical and imaging features were variable for 2 dogs with adenocarcinomas.


CONCLUSIONS
Invasive adenoma should be suspected if a dog with a pituitary tumor is <7.7 years of age and has a mass > 1.9 cm in vertical height. Adenocarcinomas are uncommon and metastatic lesions were not seen with imaging.
Pollard
Rachel E
RE
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. repollard@ucdavis.edu
Reilly
Christopher M
CM
Uerling
Megan R
MR
Wood
Farica D
FD
Feldman
Edward C
EC
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary*
D003287:Contrast Media