Granulosa-theca cell tumors (GTCTs) are the most common ovarian neoplasms in cattle. Presumptive diagnosis may be made based upon clinical presentation, ultrasound, and endocrine assay. Cows with GTCT are generally slaughtered or undergo ovariectomy to restore fertility. A 6-year Friesian cow was followed from 90 to 780 days post partum. During this period the cow had irregular heats. Cystic ovarian disease at the left ovary (10x5x3 cm) was firstly diagnosed. After unsuccessful treatments, a GTCT was strongly suspected. The ovary, with a multicystic appearance at ultrasound, doubled in about 9 months reaching an impressive size (22 × 15 × 12 cm). The right ovary was inactive and almost impalpable at the end (4.0 × 1.5 × 0.4 cm). The uterus was constantly oedematous and fluid-filled. Vaginoscopy revealed an open cervix with a slight mucous discharge. Sex steroids maintained estrous values. Considering the lack of discomfort for the cow and the average of milk production (35 l), the farmer gave no consent for surgery. At the end, the cow was slaughtered and genital organs were processed for pathology. The typical follicular pattern of a benign GTGT associated to atrophy of the right ovary, mucometra and severe thickness of cervix and vagina were diagnosed. Moreover, immunohistochemistry for alpha-inhibin revealed a strong and diffuse expression in tumor cells. This case, contributing to the modest caseload of bovine GTCTs in literature, reports the effects of the long-standing (2 years) exposition to estrogens in uterus, cervix and vagina. The GTCT's inhibin production, poorly studied in this species, is suggested to be the main responsible of the marked atrophy of the contralateral ovary.

Long-standing granulosa-theca cell tumor in a cow

G Marino
Primo
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
F Pruiti Ciarello
Methodology
;
M La Spisa
Methodology
;
A Zanghì
Ultimo
Supervision
2016-01-01

Abstract

Granulosa-theca cell tumors (GTCTs) are the most common ovarian neoplasms in cattle. Presumptive diagnosis may be made based upon clinical presentation, ultrasound, and endocrine assay. Cows with GTCT are generally slaughtered or undergo ovariectomy to restore fertility. A 6-year Friesian cow was followed from 90 to 780 days post partum. During this period the cow had irregular heats. Cystic ovarian disease at the left ovary (10x5x3 cm) was firstly diagnosed. After unsuccessful treatments, a GTCT was strongly suspected. The ovary, with a multicystic appearance at ultrasound, doubled in about 9 months reaching an impressive size (22 × 15 × 12 cm). The right ovary was inactive and almost impalpable at the end (4.0 × 1.5 × 0.4 cm). The uterus was constantly oedematous and fluid-filled. Vaginoscopy revealed an open cervix with a slight mucous discharge. Sex steroids maintained estrous values. Considering the lack of discomfort for the cow and the average of milk production (35 l), the farmer gave no consent for surgery. At the end, the cow was slaughtered and genital organs were processed for pathology. The typical follicular pattern of a benign GTGT associated to atrophy of the right ovary, mucometra and severe thickness of cervix and vagina were diagnosed. Moreover, immunohistochemistry for alpha-inhibin revealed a strong and diffuse expression in tumor cells. This case, contributing to the modest caseload of bovine GTCTs in literature, reports the effects of the long-standing (2 years) exposition to estrogens in uterus, cervix and vagina. The GTCT's inhibin production, poorly studied in this species, is suggested to be the main responsible of the marked atrophy of the contralateral ovary.
2016
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11570/3120655
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