Computed tomography assessment of feline cryptococcosis in Romania: Imaging severity and epidemiological implications

Authors: János Degi, Bogdan Sicoe, Florin Simiz, Sorin Morariu, Zaha Cristian, Simina Velescu, Florea Bogdan, Căsălean Tudor Mihai, George Cosmin Nadăș, Tănăsuică Radu-Ioan, and Diana-Maria Degi

Ger. J. Vet. Res 2026. vol. 6, Iss. 3 pp:65-74
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2026.3.0201

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Abstract:

Feline cryptococcosis is an important systemic fungal disease that frequently affects the upper respiratory tract, although computed tomography (CT) characteristics of sinonasal involvement remain insufficiently described in veterinary medicine.
Objective: This retrospective descriptive case series aimed to characterize CT imaging findings and lesion severity in cats with confirmed nasal cryptococcosis.
Methods: Eight domestic cats diagnosed with nasal cryptococcosis between 2023 and 2024 were retrospectively evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed using fungal culture, cryptococcal antigen detection, and real-time PCR. All cats underwent head CT examination using pre- and post-contrast protocols. CT images were assessed for turbinate lysis, sinus involvement, bone destruction, soft tissue proliferation, and possible intracranial extension. Lesions were semi-quantitatively graded using a CT severity scoring system ranging from 0 to 12.
Results: All cats showed variable degrees of turbinate lysis or destruction. Severe bilateral turbinate destruction was identified in 3/8 cats (37.5%), while the remaining cases exhibited mild-to-moderate focal or multifocal changes. Frontal sinus involvement was observed in 5/8 cats (62.5%), and nasal septum lysis was identified in 3/8 cats (37.5%). Orbital or facial involvement occurred in 2/8 cats (25%). No intracranial extension was detected. CT severity scores ranged from 2 to 11 and generally increased with the extent of bone destruction and sinus involvement. Conclusions: Computed tomography provided valuable information regarding lesion distribution, local invasiveness, and disease severity in feline nasal cryptococcosis. The imaging findings described in this case series may assist clinicians in differentiating fungal rhinitis from other chronic sinonasal diseases and support early diagnostic decision-making in cats presenting with persistent upper respiratory signs.
 

Keywords:

Cryptococcosis, Feline, Computed tomography, Nasal disease, One Health

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