CRANIAL MEDIASTINAL CYSTS IN NINE CATS

Abstract
Nine cats, from 11 to 17 years of age (mean 13.6 years of age), were diagnosed with a cranial mediastinal cyst. Thoracic radiographs in all cats were characterized by an increased soft tissue opacity in the cranial mediastinum confirmed to be a cyst by ultrasonography or necropsy. Ultrasonographically cysts appeared as an anechoic mass. A low‐cellularity clear fluid was obtained on aspiration. The majority of the cats (n = 8) presented for unrelated conditions with no signs of respiratory distress. No treatment for the cyst was pursued except for drainage during ultrasonographic‐guided aspiration in several cats. On follow‐up of eight cats, none were symptomatic for the cyst from 3–45 months after diagnosis. Mediastinal cyst should be considered when a cranial mediastinal mass is evident radiographically in an older cat. The majority of feline cranial mediastinal cysts are benign with no need for treatment.

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