Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia
A resource center for cat caregivers and veterinary professionals
Understanding Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia (FGESF)
What is FGESF?
Feline Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Sclerosing Fibroplasia (FGESF) is a rare condition mainly affecting domestic cats who develop masses/lesions consisting of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and fibrous tissue, in a particular pattern, primarily in their stomach and intestines. However, recent reports suggest that this condition can be found in non-gastrointestinal organs.
Who is Affected?
FGESF most commonly occurs in mature cats, though it can affect
cats of various ages. Certain breeds, particularly Ragdolls in some
regions, seem to be more susceptible, with males being more
frequently affected. Similar cases have also been reported in other
species, including pumas and lions.
The Disease Process
Eosinophilic inflammation is a hallmark of FGESF. These eosinophils can cause tissue damage, leading to a cycle of inflammation, abnormal tissue growth, and scarring. The location of the lesions dictates the clinical signs, with gastrointestinal involvement commonly causing vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
The Bottom line
FGESF remains a mysterious and underdiagnosed condition, despite having been reported in various parts of the world, across six of the seven continents. FGESF is still a young diagnosis, and while much has been learned in recent years, a great deal of research is necessary to further treatment options and long-term outcomes. Understanding this condition better can potentially help us diagnose, treat, and possibly even prevent it, in the future.
History
This condition is often confused with other serious gastrointestinal illnesses like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), lymphoma, and other forms of cancer. In earlier years, veterinarians often mistook FGESF masses for cancerous lesions during physical examination, imaging, and surgery. Additionally, due to these diseases having similar characteristics on a microscopic level, it has even been misdiagnosed on histopathology. Consequently, the initial prognosis for FGESF was considered poor to guarded. Recent studies, however, challenge this presumption and have shown reasonable outcomes when the disease is accurately diagnosed and managed.
Naming Convention
As recent reports have suggested that this condition can be found in non-gastrointestinal organs as well, momentum is developing calling for a name change which would more broadly (and accurately) describe the disease entity. You may hear it referred to as Feline Eosinophilic Fibroplasia or Feline Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia.
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