Choroid Plexus Cyst in a Neonatal Burmeister's Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis)

Author(s)

Diaz-Delgado, J. ; Groch, K. R. ; Wiegand, M. W. ; Secchi, E. R. ; Ressio, R. ; Natalia, F. C. C. ; Catao-Dias, J. L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Comparative Pathology; v. 157, n. 1, p. 51-56, JUL 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Neuroectodermal developmental anomalies are reported rarely in cetaceans and central nervous system cysts are not described. We describe the gross, microscopical, histochemical and immunohistochemical features of a neuraxial myelencephalic cyst in a stranded neonatal Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis). Grossly, a subdural, extra-axial, well-demarcated, yellow fluid-filled cystic structure (1.9 x 1.6 x 1 cm) expanded the left foramen of Luschka, the left caudolateral cerebellar recess and the left cranioventral myelencephalon. The cyst displaced the ipsilateral ventral paraflocculus and distended the underlying cranial nerves IX, X, XI and XII. Microscopically, the cystic structure was lined by a monolayer of low cuboidal to flattened epithelium supported by a thin fibrovascular matrix. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed strong and diffuse expression of AE1/AE3 and focal positivity for vimentin. IHC for epithelial membrane antigen, glial fibrillary acid protein, synaptophysin and S100 was negative. Based on these findings, an extra-axial cyst of the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle (CCPFV) was diagnosed. The pathological relevance of the CCPFV in this case is uncertain. The cause of death involved severe perinatal interspecific (shark) trauma. The present case provides the first evidence of a neuroepithelial cyst in cetacean species. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/24932-2 - Research and characterization of Morbiliviruses of cetaceans in Brazil
• Grantee: Kátia Regina Groch
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/00735-6 - Research and characterization of Morbiliviruses of cetaceans in Brazil
• Grantee: Jose Luiz Catao Dias
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/05043-5 - Pathology of Morbillivirus and assessment of selected co-infections in cetaceans From the Brazilian coast
• Grantee: Kátia Regina Groch
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor