Brain abscesses as a metastatic manifestation of strangles: symptomatology and the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic aid.
Abstract: The occurrence of unexpectedly high numbers of horses with neurological signs during two outbreaks of strangles required prompt in-depth researching of these cases, including the exploration of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a possible diagnostic technique. Objective: To describe the case series and assess the usefulness of MRI as an imaging modality for cases suspected of space-occupying lesions in the cerebral cavity. Methods: Four cases suspected of suffering from cerebral damage due to Streptococcus equi subsp. equi infection were examined clinically, pathologically, bacteriologically, by clinical chemistry (3 cases) and MRI (2 cases). In one case, MRI findings were compared to images acquired using computer tomography (CT). Results: In all cases, cerebral abscesses positive for Streptococcus equi subsp. equi were found, which explained the clinical signs. Although the lesions could be visualised with CT, MRI images were superior in representing the exact anatomic reality of the soft tissue lesions. Conclusions: The diagnosis of bastard strangles characterised by metastatic brain abscesses was confirmed. MRI appeared to be an excellent tool for the imaging of cerebral lesions in the horse. Conclusions: The high incidence of neurological complications could not be explained but possibly indicated a change in virulence of certain strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. MRI images were very detailed, permitting visualisation of much smaller lesions than demonstrated in this study and this could allow prompt clinical intervention in less advanced cases with a better prognosis. Further, MRI could assist in the surgical treatment of brain abscesses, as has been described earlier for CT.
Publication Date: 2003-03-18 PubMed ID: 12638790DOI: 10.2746/042516403776114153Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article investigates a sudden spike in horse neurological signs during strangles outbreaks, and evaluates the use of MRI scans as a potential diagnostic technique for related cerebral damage.
Objective of the Research
- The study focused on explaining the unexpectedly high cases of horses with neurological signs during two strangles outbreaks.
- It further aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic tool for potential cerebral damage suspected to be the result of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi infection. The analysis also compared MRI findings to those obtained through computer tomography (CT).
Research Methodology
- Four cases suspected of suffering from cerebral damage due to the aforementioned infection were scrutinized under clinical, pathologic, bacteriologic, and clinical chemistry lenses.
- For three of these cases, the study also utilized MRI imaging for diagnosis. For one case, the researchers compared the diagnostic outcomes of MRI and CT.
Research Findings
- The study found brain abscesses in all cases, which accounted for the clinical signs exhibited by the horses. These abscesses tested positive for Streptococcus equi subsp. equi.
- While the CT was able to reveal these lesions, MRI images presented a more accurate representation of the true anatomy of the soft tissue lesions.
- The MRI images were very detailed, enabling visualization of even smaller lesions, which can facilitate early clinical intervention and hence a better prognosis.
- Also, MRI imaging could aid in the surgical treatment of brain abscesses, similar to how CT has been used previously.
Research Conclusions
- All cases were confirmed to be bastard strangles, a disease characterized by metastatic brain abscesses.
- The MRI was shown to be an effective diagnostic tool for imaging cerebral lesions in horses.
- The researchers were unable to explain the high incidence of neurological complications, but they suggested it could indicate a change in the virulence of certain strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi.
Cite This Article
APA
Spoormakers TJ, Ensink JM, Goehring LS, Koeman JP, Ter Braake F, van der Vlugt-Meijer RH, van den Belt AJ.
(2003).
Brain abscesses as a metastatic manifestation of strangles: symptomatology and the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic aid.
Equine Vet J, 35(2), 146-151.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516403776114153 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Yalelaan 12, PO Box 80153, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Brain Abscess / diagnosis
- Brain Abscess / microbiology
- Brain Abscess / pathology
- Brain Abscess / veterinary
- Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Incidence
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Netherlands / epidemiology
- Prevalence
- Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
- Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
- Streptococcal Infections / pathology
- Streptococcal Infections / veterinary
- Streptococcus equi / isolation & purification
- Streptococcus equi / pathogenicity
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
- Virulence
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Kozłowska N, Wierzbicka M, Jasiński T, Domino M. Advances in the Diagnosis of Equine Respiratory Diseases: A Review of Novel Imaging and Functional Techniques. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 4;12(3).
- Boyle AG, Timoney JF, Newton JR, Hines MT, Waller AS, Buchanan BR. Streptococcus equi Infections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles-Revised Consensus Statement. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Mar;32(2):633-647.
- Buczinski S, Fecteau G, Alexander K, Norman-Carmel E. Use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of upper respiratory obstruction in a calf. Can Vet J 2008 Mar;49(3):275-9.
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