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Systemic Reactive Angioendotheliomatosis-like Syndrome in a Steer Presumed to be Persistently Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Department of Veterinary Pathobiology (MAB, BJJ), Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BJJ), Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

Abstract

Unusual proliferative intravascular lesions were seen in multiple organs of a 2-year-old Corriente steer presumed to be persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), based on widespread immunohistochemical detection of BVDV antigen. Proliferations of spindle cells, which were immunohistochemically positive for von Willebrand factor–related antigen, partially-to-completely occluded vessel lumens and were supported by cells that were immunohistochemically positive for smooth muscle actin. Distribution and character of the intraluminal proliferations are strikingly similar to those described in feline systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis, a rare entity of unknown cause. The presence of occasional intravascular thrombi suggests that the proliferative vasculopathy was associated with an underlying thrombotic process with immunohistochemical similarities to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura of humans. Death of the steer was due to hemorrhage from a castration wound, which may indicate thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. The role of persistent BVDV infection in the formation of the intravascular lesions is unknown.

Key words: Blood vessels; bovine diseases; bovine viral diarrhea virus; endothelial cells; immunohistochemistry; thrombocytopenic purpura.

Request reprints from Dr. Melanie A Breshears, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078 (USA). E-mail: melanie.breshears{at}okstate.edu

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