A "gullwing sign" on magnetic resonance imaging of extradural spinal tumors in dogs and cats allows prioritization of round cell neoplasia

• Published in: Veterinary radiology & ultrasound
• Main Authors: Monto, Tom, Hecht, Silke, Auger, Mylène, Springer, Cary M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 27.09.2024
• Subjects: multiple myeloma; spine; MRI; plasma cell tumor; lymphoma
• ISSN: 1058-8183; 1740-8261; 1740-8261
• DOI: 10.1111/vru.13448

Extradural neoplasms are the most common spinal tumors in small animals. A bilobed appearance of ventral extradural spinal lesions ("gullwing sign") on MRI has been described with various conditions. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if a "gullwing sign" is more common with certain types of extradural tumors. MRI studies of dogs and cats with extradural spinal neoplasms were reviewed for the presence of a "gullwing sign". Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate a possible relationship between tumor class and the presence of a "gullwing sign". Sixty-six cases were included (5 epithelial, 31 mesenchymal, 4 neuroendocrine, and 26 round cell tumors). A "gullwing sign" was identified in 12 of 66 cases (18.2%) and was significantly more common with round cell neoplasia than other tumor types (P < .001; OR = 28.6, 95% CI [3.4, 241.1]). This information may aid radiologists in prioritizing differential diagnoses for extradural tumors in small animals.