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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Radiol Ultrasound / Applicability of ARFI elastography in detecting elasticity c...
Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association2022; 63(6); 790-797; doi: 10.1111/vru.13138

Applicability of ARFI elastography in detecting elasticity changes of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon with induced injury.

Abstract: The objectives of this prospective, experimental study were to describe changes in the stiffness of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) after induced injury, deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), accessory ligament (AL-DDFT), and suspensory ligament (SL) during 90 days of healing using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. Eight healthy horses were selected. Preinjury B mode and ARFI evaluations were performed bilaterally in the palmar metacarpal region. Injury was induced only on the left forelimb (G2) by a single injection of collagenase in SDFT, 15 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone. The right forelimb was used as a control (G1). Evaluations were performed at eight timepoints: one before injury (T0) and seven (T1-T7) after injury (3, 15, 30, 40, 60, 75, and 90 days post-induction). Tendinopathies were visualized as hypoechoic areas with loss of parallel tendon fiber pattern. Injured SDFTs presented mainly cool colors (soft) from T1 to T3, and from T4, there was an increase in warm colors (hard), close to the appearance of tendons of G1. In the first four timepoints, there was a decrease in stiffness compared to G1 (P < 0.001). On T1 and T2, a cutoff value <6.21 m/s to determine tendinopathy of the SDFT was established (75.8% sensitivity and 92.03% specificity). Stiffness changes in the DDFT, AL-DDFT, and SL of injured limbs occurred at different timepoints. Tendinopathy significantly altered the stiffness of the injured tendon and the adjacent tissues. ARFI made it possible to detect these changes, helping to monitor the reparation of this injury.
© 2022 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
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Publication Date: 2022-08-15 PubMed ID: 35969229DOI: 10.1111/vru.13138Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study explores how Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography can detect changes in the stiffness of horse tendons after injury and during the healing process.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary goal of this prospective, experimental research was to study the changes in the rigidity of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) following an induced injury and then during its 90 days of healing process. The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), accessory ligament (AL-DDFT), and the suspensory ligament (SL) were also examined.
  • Eight healthy horses were included in the study. The scientists conducted pre-injury B-mode and ARFI evaluations in the palmar metacarpal area of these horses bilaterally. Injury was artificially induced on the left forelimb (G2) with a collagenase injection in the SDFT.
  • The right forelimb of the horse, which was not injured, served as a control group (G1). Assessments were then done at eight different stages: once before the injury and seven times after the injury, on the 3rd, 15th, 30th, 40th, 60th, 75th, and 90th day of post-injury.

Findings

  • The affected tendons were marked by hypoechoic areas, indicating a loss of similar tendon fiber pattern. From the first to the third evaluation after injury, the injured SDFTs mainly showed cool colors (denoting softness). From the fourth evaluation onwards, there was an increase in warm colors (indicating hardness), similar to the appearance of the G1 tendons.
  • A significant decrease in stiffness was observed in the injured tendons as compared to the control during the first four evaluations. A cutoff value of less than 6.21 m/s was established at the first and second evaluation slots to denote tendinopathy, with a sensitivity of 75.8% and a specificity of 92.03%.
  • Changes in the stiffness of the DDFT, AL-DDFT, and SL in the injured limbs occurred at different stages. The injury significantly altered the stiffness of the affected tendon and the adjacent tissues.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography can effectively detect changes in the stiffness of horse tendons after an induced injury and during its healing period. This information is vital for monitoring and managing the recovery of such injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
(2022). Applicability of ARFI elastography in detecting elasticity changes of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon with induced injury. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 63(6), 790-797. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13138

Publication

Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
ISSN: 1740-8261
NlmUniqueID: 9209635
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 63
Issue: 6
Pages: 790-797

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques / veterinary
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tendons / diagnostic imaging
  • Tendinopathy / veterinary
  • Elasticity
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging

Grant Funding

  • 159988/2018-7 / National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)
  • 305182/2020-0 / National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)
  • 2014/15422-0 / Fundau00e7u00e3o de Amparo u00e0 Pesquisa de Estado de Su00e3o Paulo
  • 2017/14957-6 / Fundau00e7u00e3o de Amparo u00e0 Pesquisa de Estado de Su00e3o Paulo

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