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BMC veterinary research2016; 12; 13; doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0643-6

Comparison of image quality and in vivo appearance of the normal equine nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses in computed tomography and high field (3.0 T) magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) is a well-established imaging technique in the diagnostics of equine sinunasal disease. High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming more readily available in equine veterinary medicine. MRI is appreciated for its superior ability to depict soft tissues with high contrast. To compare the established technique of CT in the depiction of the equine nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses and adjoining anatomical structures to 3 Tesla MRI the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses of 13 horses were examined using CT and 3 Tesla MRI. Results: Comparison of CT and MRI images of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavities and adjoining anatomical structures of 13 healthy horses showed that the inter-rater agreement for the CT examinations was higher than the inter-rater agreement for the MRI examinations. CT images proved to be significantly higher rated for the depiction of cortical bone, while MR images were higher rated for the appearance of soft tissues. For the distinction between different tissues or anatomical structures the MR images were significantly higher rated and especially T2-weighted sequences allowed for a good distinction between delicate structures. None of the MRI sequences produced an exact depiction of the lumen of the nasomaxillary aperture while the CT with a bone window allowed for a satisfying visualization. Conclusions: The CT is an imaging modality that produces high quality images within a short time when examining equine nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. The strength of CT lies in the high quality depiction of large and delicate structures with high radiodensity. High field MRI with a field strength of 3 Tesla produces images of high quality that allow for the distinction of delicate soft tissue structures but requires long examination times. The high field strength of 3 Tesla magnetic imaging introduces new possibilities in tomographic soft tissue imaging of the equine head but cannot match up with the CT in terms of visualization of bone and total examination duration. Therefore, clinicians should consider the exact imaging needs in clinical cases to decide whether a single examination or a combination of both imaging techniques may promise the greatest benefit for the patient.
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Publication Date: 2016-01-19 PubMed ID: 26786270PubMed Central: PMC4717646DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0643-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

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.

This research article compares the performance of Computed Tomography (CT) and high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 3 Tesla level in depicting the equine nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses and other adjoining anatomical structures. The findings suggest that CT images are rated higher for showing cortical bone, while MRI images have better rendering of soft tissues. Similarly, MRI excels in distinguishing between various tissues or anatomical structures, however, CT provides faster results.

Methodology and Results

  • The research involved the examination of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses of 13 horses using CT and 3 Tesla MRI.
  • Inter-rater agreement, which refers to the degree of consensus among raters or evaluators, was found to be higher for CT examinations compared to MRI.
  • CT images were rated higher for presenting cortical bone, while MRI images were favored for their depiction of soft tissues.

Differentiating between Tissues and Anatomical Structures

  • MRI images were significantly superior in differentiating between various tissues and anatomical structures, particularly under T2-weighted sequences.
  • However, none of the MRI sequences were able to produce an exact depiction of the nasomaxillary aperture’s lumen, which the CT imaging was able to visualize satisfactorily with a bone window.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Imaging Modality

  • CT provides high-quality images in a shorter time when examining equine nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses, particularly excelling in presenting structures with high radiodensity.
  • On the other hand, the high field MRI at 3 Tesla produces high quality images that make it possible to identify delicate soft tissue structures, however it requires longer examination times.
  • MRI introduces new possibilities for soft tissue imaging in the equine head but cannot compete with CT in terms of visualizing bone and overall examination duration.

Conclusion

  • The choice between CT and MRI for imaging should be based on the exact imaging requirements of a given case to determine if either one or a combination of both techniques would offer the most benefit for the patient.

Cite This Article

APA
Kaminsky J, Bienert-Zeit A, Hellige M, Rohn K, Ohnesorge B. (2016). Comparison of image quality and in vivo appearance of the normal equine nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses in computed tomography and high field (3.0 T) magnetic resonance imaging. BMC Vet Res, 12, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0643-6

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 12
Pages: 13
PII: 13

Researcher Affiliations

Kaminsky, Joachim
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, Hannover, D-30559, Germany. joachim-kaminsky@gmx.de.
Bienert-Zeit, Astrid
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, Hannover, D-30559, Germany. Astrid.Bienert@tiho-hannover.de.
Hellige, Maren
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, Hannover, D-30559, Germany. Maren.Hellige@tiho-hannover.de.
Rohn, Karl
  • Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, Hannover, D-30559, Germany. Karl.Rohn@tiho-hannover.de.
Ohnesorge, Bernhard
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, Hannover, D-30559, Germany. Bernhard.Ohnesorge@tiho-hannover.de.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Male
  • Nasal Cavity / anatomy & histology
  • Paranasal Sinuses / anatomy & histology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary

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