Comparison of 18 F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and computed tomography for imaging of the fetlock in 25 nonracehorses.
Abstract: F-sodium fluoride ( F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) has been validated as a useful imaging technique in the racehorse fetlock. The use of F-NaF PET in the nonracehorse fetlock has not been reported. Objective: To describe F-NaF PET findings in nonracehorse fetlocks, to compare with computed tomography (CT) findings and to compare PET findings between horses with and without fetlock pain. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: All horses undergoing F-NaF PET and CT imaging of the fetlock between October 2016 and March 2021 were included in the study. Medical records were reviewed for associated lameness information. Results: Thirty-six fetlocks (33 front and 3 hind) from 25 horses were included. The interobserver agreement for PET [0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.65)] was higher than for CT [0.47 (95% CI 0.43-0.51)]. Increased F-NaF uptake was most common in the medial subchondral bone of the proximal phalanx (23/36), the dorsomedial (20/36) and dorsosagittal (16/36) metacarpal/metatarsal distal subchondral bone, whereas sclerosis was identified on CT in these areas in 22 of 36 (p > 0.9), 33 of 36 (p = 0.001) and 23 of 36 (p = 0.15), respectively. Significant correlations were found between PET grades and both subchondral sclerosis and resorption CT grades (p < 0.001, Spearman r = 0.19 and 0.21, respectively). Abnormal F-NaF uptake in the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) was identified in 12 of 36 of the fetlocks, which was more common than CT abnormalities (3/36, p = 0.02). Periarticular increased uptake was seen in 7 of 36 fetlocks, whereas osteophytosis was recognised on CT in 20 of 36 (p = 0.1). Maximal standardised uptake values (SUVmax) were significantly higher in painful than in nonpainful fetlocks (22.0 and 11.9, respectively, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Retrospective study and limited sample size. Conclusions: Overall PET and CT findings follow a similar distribution in their location. PET identified more abnormalities in the PSBs than CT. SUVmax is a pertinent factor to take into consideration for the assessment of the clinical significance of findings.
© 2023 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2023-10-23 PubMed ID: 37872742DOI: 10.1111/evj.14015Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research study investigates the application of F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging nonracehorse fetlocks, comparing its efficacy with computed tomography (CT), and studies differences in PET observations between horses with and without fetlock pain.
Research Methodology
- The researchers conducted a retrospective observational study.
- All horses that underwent F-NaF PET and CT scans between October 2016 and March 2021 for the fetlock (a joint in the horse’s leg) were included.
- Medical records of these horses were also reviewed to gather information about associated lameness.
Results
- A total of 36 fetlocks (33 front and 3 hind) from 25 horses were included in the study.
- The agreement between observers for PET was higher than for CT scans.
- Increased F-NaF uptake, indicating active bone formation, was most common in certain areas of the fetlock, with sclerosis also identified in these areas via CT scan.
- There were significant correlations between PET grades and both subchondral sclerosis (hardening of the bone under the cartilage) and resorption CT grades (bone loss).
- The PET scans identified more abnormalities in the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) than the CT scans did.
- Increased uptake around the joint (periarticular) was seen in some fetlocks, and osteophytosis (bone spurs) was identified on CT scans in more than half the cases.
- Painful fetlocks demonstrated significantly higher maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax), which measure the concentration of F-NaF absorbed by the tissues, than non-painful fetlocks.
Conclusions
- Despite the retrospective nature of the study and the small sample size, the research provides valuable insights.
- The findings from the PET and CT scans displayed similar distribution patterns in terms of the location of abnormalities.
- PET scans were more effective in identifying abnormalities in PSBs than CT scans.
- SUVmax emerged as an important factor to consider when assessing the clinical significance of the findings, particularly in distinguishing between painful and non-painful fetlocks.
Cite This Article
APA
Pige C, Spriet M, Perez-Nogues M, Katzman S, Le Jeune S, Galuppo L.
(2023).
Comparison of 18 F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and computed tomography for imaging of the fetlock in 25 nonracehorses.
Equine Vet J.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14015 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
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