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Deep mycosis causing aortic pseudoaneurysm....
Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2020
Obi Veterinary Education
August 30, 2025
S. Morabito, S. Specchi, E. Auriemma, S. Ferro, P. Kuhnert, and E. Zini
Background
Abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms are rare vascular abnormalities that result from the rupture of the tunica intima and, potentially, the tunica media, leading to blood leakage into surrounding tissues. Infections, including systemic mycoses, can contribute to their development. This study aimed to describe the computed tomographic (CT) and ultrasonographic (US) characteristics of abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms in dogs with systemic fungal infections.
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed medical records from a veterinary hospital, selecting dogs with histologically confirmed fungal pseudoaneurysms and available CT or US images. Clinical signs, imaging findings, blood tests, and post-mortem examinations were analyzed. Imaging assessments focused on arterial wall integrity, surrounding tissue changes, and vascular abnormalities.
Results
Three dogs met the study criteria, all presenting with weight loss, fever, and various systemic signs. Imaging findings included segmental arterial dilation, irregular arterial wall thickening, and increased echogenicity or attenuation in the perivascular fat. Follow-up scans showed progressive arterial wall thickening and saccular dilation, forming pseudoaneurysms. Post-mortem examinations confirmed fungal arteritis and aneurysm formation, with histopathology revealing fungal hyphae within arterial walls. The most frequently affected vessels were the abdominal aorta, cranial mesenteric artery, and external iliac arteries. All dogs were euthanized due to disease progression.
Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size and retrospective nature. Additionally, imaging follow-ups were only available for two cases, and contrast-enhanced CT was not performed in one case due to the dog’s deteriorating condition.
Conclusions
Multidetector CT and ultrasonography were effective in detecting and monitoring abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms in dogs with systemic fungal infections. The findings suggest that systemic mycosis should be considered in dogs with unexplained vascular abnormalities. Early imaging may aid in diagnosis, though prognosis remains poor.
Post-contrast multidetector CT images (A), gross anatomy (B) and histologic section (C) of the pseudoaneurysm at the trifurcation of the aorta. (A) Dorsal reconstruction of the trifurcation of the aorta shows multifocal dilation of the arterial lumen (*) and thickening of the wall with hypoechoic halo (arrow); (B) Gross anatomy of the trifurcation of the aorta shows focal necrosis area corresponding with the dilation of the arterial lumen (*). (C) Histologic section of the pseudoaneurysm characterised by thickening of the arterial wall by a huge number of Grocott-positive branching hyphae (arrowhead) in the tunica media. The tunica appears disrupted and covered by red blood cells admixed with sparse hyphae (star). Grocott stain. Reproduced with permission from Specchi & d'Anjou 2019
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