Superficial angiomyxoma in a pregnant cow

• Main Authors: Annalisa Rizzo, Leonardo Della Salda, Mariarita Romanucci, Stefano Ciccarelli, Carmela Valastro, Michela Galgano, Raffaele L. Sciorsci
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2020-07-01
• Series: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
• Subjects: angiomyxoma; cow; cutaneous; histopathology; hormone dependency; immunohistochemistry; pregnancy
• Online Access: https://jsava.co.za/index.php/jsava/article/view/2004

A 3-year-old, pregnant, Alpine Brown cow showed a rapidly growing, pedunculated, skin mass located at the umbilical region, reaching 8 kg in weight over a 3-month period after its initial detection. Six days after parturition, the mass was completely surgically excised. During the follow-up period, the cow remained in good health, without signs of recurrence, and showed increased milk production. Histological examination of the mass revealed a loose proliferation of spindle-shaped or stellate cells, immersed in an abundant myxoid matrix with admixed numerous thin-walled blood vessels. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and desmin. Gross and histopathological features were compatible with superficial angiomyxoma, a subtype of angiomyxoma rarely described in humans, but not in the veterinary literature. The tumour did not infiltrate into the surrounding tissues, and there was no post-excision recurrence after 3 months. The possibility of hormonal dependence of the tumour during pregnancy is discussed based on such findings in some human cases.