Successful treatment of feline hyperadrenocorticism with pituitary macroadenoma using radiation therapy: a case study

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 84; no. 7; pp. 898 - 904
• Main Authors: YAYOSHI, Naoko, HAMAMOTO, Yuji, ODA, Hitomi, HAGA, Aiko, KOYAMA, Kaoru, SAKO, Toshinori, MORI, Akihiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.07.2022; Japan Science and Technology Agency; The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science
• Subjects: Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Brain tumors; cortisol; dermatological sign; Diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent); Insulin; Internal Medicine; Irritation; Magnetic resonance imaging; neurological sign; Pituitary; Radiation therapy; Remission; trilostane; trilostane; cortisol; dermatological sign; neurological sign; adrenocorticotropic hormone
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0021

A 10-year-old castrated male cat showing behavioral (irritation, prowling, and tumbling) and cutaneous abnormalities such as dermal fragility was diagnosed as hyperadrenocorticism with pituitary macroadenoma, concurrent with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Pituitary enlargement (18.0 mm) was observed during magnetic resonance imaging. High endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone levels (>2,500 pg/ml) were also observed. Although trilostane treatment (5–10 mg/head, daily) was commenced, the clinical signs did not disappear. Insulin and trilostane treatment were discontinued on day 86 after first day of radiation therapy (4 Gy/12 fractions). After radiation therapy, a decreased pituitary tumor size (10.7 mm) was observed on day 301; neurological and dermatological signs exhibited remission. Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for feline hyperadrenocorticism with pituitary macroadenoma with neurological signs.