Mineralized Undifferentiated Duodenal Carcinoma in a Shih-Tzu Dog

Abstract

An eight-year-old, intact female, Shih-Tzu, weighing 4.5 kg presented with complaints of anorexia, pale mucous membrane, and vomiting for the past 5 days. On physical examination, nausea, abdominal pain, and melena were noted. On hematologic examination, severe anemia and thrombocytosis were identified. On radiographs examination, soft tissue opacity with small faint mineral opacity mass in the mid-abdomen and two mineral opacity regions in the cranial aspect of mass were identified. Ultrasonographic findings showed thickening of descending duodenal wall with loss of layering and mineralization within the duodenal wall and mesentery adjacent to the duodenal lesion. Computerized tomography showed circumferential wall thickening of descending duodenum with mineralization. Mineralization of the mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes was identified. Based on the diagnostic imaging, the tentative diagnosis was descending duodenal tumor with dystrophic mineralization. Endoscopy revealed mucosal hemorrhage and erythema within the descending duodenum and stomach. Surgery was performed, and mineralization in the pancreatic tail to duodenum and mesentery was found. Resection of the duodenum, regional lymph node, and mineralized pancreatic region and the duodenal anastomosis were performed. The histologic examination revealed a high-grade undifferentiated duodenal carcinoma with metastases to the regional lymph node and mesentery. The patient was managed with supportive therapy for 8 days and discharged. The patient was followed up for 5 months and there were no complications. © The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics.