Comparison of results of scanning electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging before and after administration of a radiographic contrast agent in the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle obtained from horse cadavers.

The study aims to analyze the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle in horses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a radiographic contrast agent. It also measures water proton concentrations in the tendons.

Research Methodology

• The subjects of the study were 8 tendons of the deep digital flexor (TDDF) muscle from the forelimbs of 6 horse cadavers.
• Examinations were carried out on the same portion of each tendon using two techniques: MRI and scanning electron microscopy.
• The initial MRIs of the tendons showed no detectable signal intensity. Thus, the use of a radiographic contrast agent, gadopentate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA/Dimeg), was introduced. It was used to improve the visibility and assess the internal structure of the tendons.
• Post-treatment MRIs were conducted after injecting Gd-DTPA/Dimeg into the tendons.

Research Findings

• Post-treatment MRI scans yielded images with detectable signal intensity, allowing for an evaluation of the internal structure of the tendons.
• Images obtained from scanning electron microscopy correlated well with MRI images taken before and after the administration of Gd-DTPA/Dimeg.
• The localized spectra revealed the concentration of water protons in the TDDF.

Conclusions

• The study demonstrated the successful use of a radiographic contrast agent in conjunction with MRI to provide insights into the internal organization of the TDDF in horses.
• The results showed that the best technique involved the vascular injection of a contrast medium.
• After administering Gd-DTPA/Dimeg, MRI was able to provide additional information about tendon morphological features, suggesting potential applications in diagnosing tendonitis or other tendon-related diseases in lame horses.