With AI taking over the world, “Multimodal” has become part of our vocabulary.
So why not multimodal diagnosis?
This week we have two interesting stories of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy used to compare serum metabolites and of MRI and immunohistochemistry used in combination to diagnose polymyositis.
Now, many of the techniques are used in combination, but actually one after the other.
Imagine a world, in which all the techniques can be instantaneously combined and the data integrated.
In which IHC stainings can be assembled in 3D to reconstruct the MRI picture and in which metabolites could be traced on the IHCs.
All at once.
How would this change our understanding of diseases, and times and costs of diagnosis?
Enjoy this week’s newsletter!
Reviews
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Cat and Dog Kidney Diseases
In this review, Huang et al from the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, USA explains how the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in kidney diseases and is a major target of treatment in humans, cats, and dogs. Studies on RAAS in animals with kidney diseases show variable activation and significant individual differences in circulating RAAS markers.
Recent discoveries include an “alternative” RAAS and tissue-specific renin-angiotensin systems, such as the intrarenal RAS, which independently regulates kidney function and contributes to kidney disease. Limited data suggest intrarenal RAS activation in cats and dogs with kidney diseases. Despite inconsistent evidence of circulating RAAS activation in chronic kidney disease, RAAS inhibitors effectively treat hypertension and proteinuria in affected cats and dogs. Further research into the circulating and intrarenal RAAS could improve treatment strategies for companion animals with kidney diseases.
Jane HC Huang, Bianca N Lourenço, Amanda E Coleman. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Kidney Diseases of Cats and Dogs. The Veterinary Journal, 2024, 106287, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106287.
Clinical
Localised Apolipoprotein A-I Amyloidosis in a Dog’s Fibroadnexal Hamartoma
In this study by Murakami et al. from the Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in Japan, a rare case of canine apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) amyloidosis is reported. While this condition is typically associated with aging and pulmonary vascular issues, the authors found it in a cutaneous fibroadnexal hamartoma in a dog. Through proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry, the mechanism of ApoA-I amyloidogenesis is explored.
Murakami T, et al. (2024). Localised apolipoprotein A-I amyloidosis arising in a fibroadnexal hamartoma in a dog. Veterinary dermatology, 2024(12), Unknown Pages. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13316
Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Polymyositis
In this study, Han and colleagues from the Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine at 전남대학교 in Korea report on a case of immune-mediated polymyositis in a dog. The condition was successfully diagnosed using MRI and immunohistochemistry, and effectively managed with immunosuppressive therapy. This highlights the importance of utilizing these techniques for accurate detection and treatment of canine polymyositis.
Han J, Park S, Lee K, et al. Successful diagnosis and treatment of canine polymyositis: utilizing MRI and immunohistochemistry for accurate detection. BMC veterinary research. 2024;12:560. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04356-6
Topical Dexamethasone Slows Epithelial Movement on the Canine Eardrum
Epithelial migration (EM) is crucial for ear health. While glucocorticoids are common treatments for ear issues, their impact on EM in the eardrum and ear canal is not well studied. This study from Kim et al. from the Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, 경북대학교(Kyungpook National University) , Korea, examined whether topical dexamethasone slows EM on the eardrums of healthy dogs.
Seven ears from four dogs were analyzed by measuring the movement of an ink mark on the eardrum over three weeks. Results showed that topical dexamethasone reduced EM rate by nearly 47% compared to untreated controls. This suggests that dexamethasone may slow debris clearance from the ear canal, indicating that additional cleaning might be necessary during treatment for ear conditions.
Kim J, Oh T, Bae S. Topical dexamethasone decelerates epithelial migration on the canine tympanic membrane. Vet Dermatol. 2024 Dec 9. https://doi.10.1111/vde.13314
1H NMR Serum Metabolic Profiling in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma
Canine lymphoma includes diverse cancers originating from lymphoid cells. Accurate diagnosis is vital for survival outcomes, but current methods are often invasive and lack precision. Metabolomic analysis offers a non-invasive approach to identify biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment response, and prognosis. This study from Solé et al. from the Departamento de Clínicas y Hospital Veterinario, Universidad de la República in Uruguay used 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to compare serum metabolites in 37 dogs with multicentric lymphoma (22 B-cell, 9 CD45+ T-cell, and 6 CD45- T-cell lymphomas) and 25 healthy controls.
NMR profiling identified lipids and 22 metabolites, with 16 showing significant alterations. Principal component analysis effectively distinguished lymphoma samples from healthy controls. Pairwise comparisons revealed metabolomic similarities across lymphoma immunophenotypes, but five metabolites, including glucose, lactate, N-acetyl glycoproteins, scyllo-inositol, and choline, showed significant differences. These findings suggest changes in energy, protein, and lipid metabolism and highlight potential new biomarkers for canine multicentric lymphoma.
Solé RS, Radcenco AL, Moyna G, Breijo M, Pessina P. Application of 1H NMR Metabolic Profiling of Serum in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma. Vet Comp Oncol. 2024 Dec 8. https://doi.10.1111/vco.13034
