First case reported of subarachnoid diverticulum associated with feline infectious peritonitis

Feline Infectious Peritonitis is known as one of the most common infectious diseases that cause neurological signs in felines.

A  7-month-old female spayed Siberian cat was evaluated due to multifocal neurological defects. The ophthalmic examination showed bilateral iris pigment changes suggesting uveitis, and the neurological examination showed mental dullness and left-sided-hemiparesis. Serology tests were negative for Toxoplasma gondii, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus serology was negative, but the serology test was positive for feline coronavirus. An MRI study of the cat’s brain and cervical spine revealed dorsal and ventral dilation of the subarachnoid space from the obex to the C2–C3 intervertebral area. Also, there was a marked leptomeningeal contrast that suggested an inflammatory process. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) results were also positive for feline coronavirus and demonstrated a marked neutrophilic pleocytosis.

The owner declined further diagnostics, and the cat was euthanized. The post mortem examination confirmed pyogranulomatous uveitis, pyogranulomatous meningitis, nephritis, and the presence of Giardia sp. in the intestines. 

All the results obtained were suggesting FIP and this was the first case reported of Spinal diverticula arachnoid (SAD) associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

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Subarachnoid diverticulum associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a Siberian cat