A case of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia extending to the liver and jejunal lymph nodes.

Abstract

An 8-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat with a history of persistent diarrhea and a previous diagnosis of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia in the jejunum was presented to our hospital. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a hepatic lesion with a diffuse altered echostructure. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FESF), marked by multinodular lesions with abundant inflammatory cell infiltrates. Despite treatment with corticosteroids and supportive care, the cat was euthanized 15 d after diagnosis due to the deterioration of its health status. This report aims to highlight the necessity to include FESF within differential diagnoses when diagnosing liver masses in cats, particularly those with previous gastrointestinal involvement. It emphasizes the need for histopathologic confirmation and highlights the challenges in diagnosing this condition, especially regarding its multifocal nature and potential misdiagnosis as tumors. With only 2 documented cases of liver involvement available, the prognosis for hepatic FESF remains unclear, warranting further investigation to establish definitive therapeutic guidelines. Key clinical message: Feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats presented with liver masses. The diagnosis relies on careful history-taking and clinical examination, mainly in the presence of a previous gastrointestinal mass. Histopathologic evidence is essential for a definitive diagnosis.