Aggressive Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma in a Young Adult Cat: A Case Report

Thamonwan Panduang; Weerachai Anpranit; Wongsaton ektasaeng; Teeraphong Phansod; Papon Thaninthakul; Siripat Rassameejan; Apisit Pornthummawat; Jeerawat Soonthornsit

Authors

Thamonwan Panduang Mhorkaset Animal Hospital, Omyai, 55/7-8 Moo 4, Phetkasem Road, Omyai, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom, 73160, Thailand
Weerachai Anpranit Mhorkaset Animal Hospital, Omyai, 55/7-8 Moo 4, Phetkasem Road, Omyai, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom, 73160, Thailand
Wongsaton ektasaeng Mhorkaset Animal Hospital, Omyai, 55/7-8 Moo 4, Phetkasem Road, Omyai, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom, 73160, Thailand
Teeraphong Phansod Mhorkaset Animal Hospital, Omyai, 55/7-8 Moo 4, Phetkasem Road, Omyai, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom, 73160, Thailand
Papon Thaninthakul Mhorkaset Animal Hospital, Omyai, 55/7-8 Moo 4, Phetkasem Road, Omyai, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom, 73160, Thailand
Siripat Rassameejan Prasu-Arthorn Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Apisit Pornthummawat Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Jeerawat Soonthornsit Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science at the Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Keywords:

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, Cat, Pancreas, Abdominal mass, Duodenal obstruction

Abstract

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PAC) is a rare and aggressive exocrine tumor in cats, mostly associated with a poor prognosis because of its significant metastatic potential. A 3-year-old, spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with chronic weight loss and an acute onset of lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Physical examination identified palpable masses in the right cranial and left caudal abdomen. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis and elevated feline pancreas-specific lipase (fPLI). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an intramural duodenal mass, pancreatic enlargement with a heterogeneous parenchyma, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) confirmed a markedly enlarged pancreas containing multiple hypoattenuating nodules, pancreatic duct dilatation, and a large, heterogeneously enhancing mass causing duodenal compression. Histopathological examination of an incisional biopsy provided a definitive diagnosis of PAC. Due to the size of the tumor and its metastatic stage, surgical resection was not feasible. The cat received toceranib phosphate and symptomatic treatment. However, the pancreatic mass progressed rapidly, leading to severe obstruction of the duodenum one month after the diagnosis. Necropsy results confirmed metastasis to the duodenum, liver, and spleen. This report describes an uncommon young cat with PAC. This finding emphasizes the importance of early detection and the limitation of therapeutic options in feline pancreatic tumors.

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