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Germonpré J, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Raes E, Chiers K, Jans L, Vanderperren K. Post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot: a proof of concept. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1201017. [PMID: 38249561 PMCID: PMC10797750 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1201017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this proof-of-concept study, the post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot is described in agreement with the gold standard imaging technique, which is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A total of five equine cadaver feet were studied, of which two were pathological and three were within normal limits and served as references. A low-field MRI of each foot was performed, followed by a DECT acquisition. Multiplanar reformations of DECT virtual non-calcium images were compared with MRI for the detection of bone edema-like lesions. A gross post-mortem was performed, and histopathologic samples were obtained of the navicular and/or distal phalanx of the two feet selected based on pathology and one reference foot. Results On DECT virtual non-calcium imaging, the two pathological feet showed diffuse increased attenuation corresponding with bone edema-like lesions, whereas the three reference feet were considered normal. These findings were in agreement with the findings on the MRI. Histopathology of the two pathologic feet showed abnormalities in line with bone edema-like lesions. Histopathology of the reference foot was normal. Conclusion DECT virtual non-calcium imaging can be a valuable diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot. Further examination of DECT in equine diagnostic imaging is warranted in a larger cohort, different locations, and alive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Germonpré
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Louis M. J. Vandekerckhove
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Els Raes
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Koen Chiers
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology, and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lennart Jans
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vanderperren
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Baker ME, Kershaw LE, Carstens A, Daniel CR, Brown H, Roberts S, Taylor SE. T2 mapping of cartilage in the equine distal interphalangeal joint with corresponding histology using 0.27 T and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:843-852. [PMID: 36397209 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely available to equine veterinarians yet is insensitive at detecting cartilage damage in the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). T2 mapping is a quantitative imaging technique that can detect cartilage damage before morphological change is apparent. OBJECTIVES Validation of a T2 mapping sequence on a low-field MR system. Correlation of the mean T2 relaxation time in sections of cartilage with varying levels of pathology using low- and high-field MRI. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Eight phantoms with known (nominal) T2 values underwent low-field (0.27 T) MRI and 38 ex vivo DIPJs were imaged. A further 9 ex vivo DIPJs were imaged on both the low- and high-field MR systems. Immediately after imaging, the DIPJs were disarticulated and samples collected for histology. Histological sections were graded using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system. Fiji ImageJ software with the MRIAnalysisPak plugin was used to calculate T2 maps and draw the regions of interest (ROIs). RESULTS There was close agreement between the nominal and the measured T2 values in the phantom study. Spearman's rank correlation demonstrated significant positive correlation between low- and high-field T2 measurements, rho 0.644 (p < 0.001). The intrarater agreement for T2 measurements was excellent, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.99-1.00), the inter-rater agreement was excellent, ICC = 0.88 (95% CI = 0.82-0.92) and there was good intrarater agreement for OARSI scores (к = 0.76). MAIN LIMITATIONS Only a small number of histological samples were analysed. Both articular cartilage surfaces were measured within the ROI. There were no OARSI grade 0 control samples. CONCLUSIONS A T2 mapping sequence on a low-field 0.27 T MR system was validated. There was a positive correlation between low- and high-field T2 measurements. The findings suggest a higher mean T2 relaxation time in pathological cartilage tissue examined in this study compared to normal equine cartilage tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Eve Baker
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Lucy Elizabeth Kershaw
- Edinburgh Imaging and Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ann Carstens
- School of Animal, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carola Riccarda Daniel
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Helen Brown
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Steve Roberts
- Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Ltd, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Sarah Elizabeth Taylor
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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Daniel CR, Taylor SE, McPhee S, Wolfram U, Schwarz T, Sommer S, Kershaw LE. Relationship between CT-Derived Bone Mineral Density and UTE-MR-Derived Porosity Index in Equine Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2780. [PMID: 37685045 PMCID: PMC10487176 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue-related subchondral bone injuries of the third metacarpal/metatarsal (McIII/MtIII) bones are common causes of wastage, and they are welfare concerns in racehorses. A better understanding of bone health and strength would improve animal welfare and be of benefit for the racing industry. The porosity index (PI) is an indirect measure of osseous pore size and number in bones, and it is therefore an interesting indicator of bone strength. MRI of compact bone using traditional methods, even with short echo times, fail to generate enough signal to assess bone architecture as water protons are tightly bound. Ultra-short echo time (UTE) sequences aim to increase the amount of signal detected in equine McIII/MtIII condyles. Cadaver specimens were imaged using a novel dual-echo UTE MRI technique, and PI was calculated and validated against quantitative CT-derived bone mineral density (BMD) measures. BMD and PI are inversely correlated in equine distal Mc/MtIII bone, with a weak mean r value of -0.29. There is a statistically significant difference in r values between the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Further work is needed to assess how correlation patterns behave in different areas of bone and to evaluate PI in horses with and without clinically relevant stress injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Riccarda Daniel
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sarah Elizabeth Taylor
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Samuel McPhee
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (S.M.)
| | - Uwe Wolfram
- Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (S.M.)
| | - Tobias Schwarz
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Stefan Sommer
- Siemens Healthcare, 8047 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Swiss Center for Musculoskeletal Imaging (SCMI), Balgrist Campus, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology (ACIT), Siemens Healthcare AG, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucy E. Kershaw
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences and Edinburgh Imaging, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
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Bolz NM, Sánchez-Andrade JS, Torgerson PR, Bischofberger AS. Diagnostic Performance of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Arthrography and 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Diagnose Experimentally Created Articular Cartilage Lesions in Equine Cadaver Stifles. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2304. [PMID: 37508081 PMCID: PMC10376593 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to determine the diagnostic performance of computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) and 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting artificial cartilage lesions in equine femorotibial and femoropatellar joints. METHODS A total of 79 cartilage defects were created arthroscopically in 15 cadaver stifles from adult horses in eight different locations. In addition, 68 sites served as negative controls. MRI and CTA (80-160 mL iodinated contrast media at 87.5 mg/mL per joint) studies were obtained and evaluated by a radiologist unaware of the lesion distribution. The stifles were macroscopically evaluated, and lesion surface area, depth, and volume were determined. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI and CTA were calculated and compared between modalities. RESULTS The sensitivity values of CTA (53%) and MRI (66%) were not significantly different (p = 0.09). However, the specificity of CTA (66%) was significantly greater compared to MRI (52%) (p = 0.04). The mean lesion surface area was 11 mm2 (range: 2-54 mm2). Greater lesion surface area resulted in greater odds of lesion detection with CTA but not with MRI. CONCLUSIONS CTA achieved a similar diagnostic performance compared to high-field MRI in detecting small experimental cartilage lesions. Despite this, CTA showed a higher specificity than MRI, thus making CTA more accurate in diagnosing normal cartilage. Small lesion size was a discriminating factor for lesion detection. In a clinical setting, CTA may be preferred over MRI due to higher availability and easier image acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico M Bolz
- Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea S Bischofberger
- Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Testa B, Biggi M, Byrne CA, Bell A. Assessment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Artefacts Caused by Equine Anaesthesia Equipment: A Cadaver Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 126:104492. [PMID: 37072071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Acquisition of magnetic resonance images of the equine limb is still sometimes conducted under general anaesthesia. Despite low-field systems allow the use of standard anaesthetic equipment, possible interferences of the extensive electronic componentry of advanced anaesthetic machines on image quality is unknown. This prospective, blinded, cadaver study investigated the effects of seven standardised conditions (Tafonius positioned as in clinical cases, Tafonius on the boundaries of the controlled area, anaesthetic monitoring only, Mallard anaesthetic machine, Bird ventilator, complete electronic silence in the room (negative control), source of electronic interference [positive control]) on image quality through the acquisition of 78 sequences using a 0.31T equine MRI scanner. Images were graded with a 4-point scoring system, where 1 denoted absence of artefacts and 4 major artefacts requiring repetition in a clinical setting. A lack of STIR fat suppression was commonly reported (16/26). Ordinal logistic regression showed no statistically significant differences in image quality between the negative control and either the non-Tafonius or the Tafonius groups (P = 0.535 and P = 0.881, respectively), and with the use of Tafonius compared to the other anaesthetic machines (P = 0.578). The only statistically significant differences in scores were observed between the positive control and the non-Tafonius (P = 0.006) and the Tafonius groups (P = 0.017). Our findings suggest that anaesthetic machines and monitoring do not appear to affect MRI scan quality and support the use of Tafonius during acquisition of images with a 0.31T MRI system in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Testa
- University of Glasgow School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow, UK; Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK.
| | - Marianna Biggi
- Vet-CT, registered office St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christian A Byrne
- University of Glasgow School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow, UK; Hird & Partners Shelf Equine Hospital, Lower Giles Hill Farm, Halifax, UK
| | - Andrew Bell
- University of Glasgow School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow, UK
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