Approaches to standardising the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions.
Abstract: Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing importance to monitor equine tendon lesions. Comparing results between studies and cases is hampered, because image analysis approaches vary strongly. This study aimed to improve reliability, comparability and time efficiency of quantitative MRI image analysis. Unassigned: Induced tendon lesions were studied over a 24-week period with 10 follow-up MRI examinations. Signal intensities (SIs) of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone and background, as well as lesion cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Lesion SI standardisation with different formulas was evaluated, using histological findings as reference. Different types of region of interest (ROI) for lesion SI measurement were compared. Lesion CSA measurement at different levels was evaluated, using the calculated total lesion volume as reference. Subjective lesion identification and manual CSA and SI measurements were compared to an automated, algorithm-based approach. Unassigned: Lesion SI standardised using a quotient of lesion and background or cortical bone SI, correlated best with histologically determined lesion severity. Lesion SI in circular ROIs correlated strongly with lesion SI in free-hand whole-lesion ROIs. The level of the maximum lesion CSA shifted over time; the CSA maximum correlated strongly with lesion volume. In sequences with short acquisition time, algorithm-based automated lesion detection showed almost perfect agreement with subjective lesion identification. Automated measurement of CSA and SI was also feasible, with stronger correlation and better agreement with the manually obtained data for the SI than for the CSA. Unassigned: Our study may provide guidance for MRI image analysis of tendon healing. Reliable image analysis can be performed time-efficiently, particularly regarding lesion SI quantification.
© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Record Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.
Publication Date: 2023-02-23 PubMed ID: 36846276PubMed Central: PMC9950356DOI: 10.1002/vro2.57Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research presents methods to standardize the use of low-field MRI in monitoring horse tendon injuries. It aims to improve the reliability, comparability, and time efficiency of MRI image analysis of these injuries.
Objective of the study
- The study aims to increase the reliability, comparability, and time efficiency of MRI image analysis of horse tendon injuries or lesions. The researchers looked at artificial tendon injuries over 24 weeks, using 10 follow-up MRI scans to measure various factors.
Methodology of the Study
- Induced tendon lesions were studied over a 24-week period with ten follow-up MRI examinations.
- Various measurements were taken including: signal intensities of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone, and background; as well as lesion cross-sectional areas.
- Researchers also evaluated different methods for standardizing lesion signal intensities using histological findings as reference
- Different types of region of interest (ROI) for lesion signal intensity measurement were compared.
- Measurement of Lesion cross-sectional area at different levels were evaluated using the calculated total lesion volume as reference.
- Comparisons were also made between subjective lesion identification and manual cross-sectional area and signal intensity measurements against an automated, algorithm-based method.
Findings of the Study
- The standardization of lesion signal intensity using a quotient (division) of lesion and background or cortical bone signal intensity correlated best with histologically determined lesion severity.
- The signal intensity of lesions in circular regions of interest showed a strong correlation with lesion signal intensity in free-hand whole-lesion regions of interest.
- The researchers found that the level of maximum lesion cross-sectional area shifted over time and that the maximum cross-sectional area had a strong correlation with lesion volume.
- When applied to sequences with short acquisition time, the use of an algorithm-based automated method for identifying lesions was almost perfectly in agreement with subjective lesion identification.
- Automated measurement of cross-sectional area and signal intensity proved feasible, presenting stronger correlation and better agreement with manually obtained data for signal intensity than for cross-sectional area.
Implication of the Study
- The findings from this study could provide guidance for the analysis of MRI images in the context of tendon healing. The research suggests that reliable image analysis can be performed efficiently, especially regarding lesion signal intensity quantification.
Cite This Article
APA
Doll CU, Bohner M, Berner D, Buettner K, Horstmeier C, Winter K, Burk J.
(2023).
Approaches to standardising the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions.
Vet Rec Open, 10(1), e257.
https://doi.org/10.1002/vro2.57 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopaedics) Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen Germany.
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany.
- Department for Horses Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany.
- Equine Referral Hospital Royal Veterinary College Hawkshead Road University of London Hatfield UK.
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen Germany.
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany.
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany.
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopaedics) Justus-Liebig-University Giessen Giessen Germany.
- Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.
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