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Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association2020; 62(3); 316-330; doi: 10.1111/vru.12946

Ex vivo comparison of ultrasonographic intestinal wall layering with histology in horses: A feasibilty study.

Abstract: Ultrasonography is increasingly being used as a clinical and research method for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract in horses, however published studies comparing ultrasonographic and histologic characteristics of equine intestinal wall layers are currently lacking. Objectives of this prospective, observational, methods comparison, case series study were to compare the layering pattern and thickness of the intestinal wall layers determined using ex vivo and in vivo ultrasonography with those determined using histology. For the ex vivo study, twelve horses were euthanized for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal disease, and samples of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, right dorsal colon, and small colon were collected and imaged sonographically ex vivo in an isotonic bath within 1 hour of euthanasia. For the in vivo study, ultrasonography was performed in four clinical cases, and findings were compared with histopathology. A 5-layer pattern of alternating echogenicity was observed in 70 of 72 ex vivo samples. Agreement between histologic and sonographic measurements was deemed good for all segments except the ileum. Formalin fixation did not alter the sonographic appearance or wall measurements. Findings from the four clinical cases illustrated the feasibility of also obtaining ultrasonographic images with sufficient sonographic detail in vivo to recognize wall layering and obtain comparable results to pathologic lesions. Findings from the current study can serve as background for future studies comparing ultrasonographic characteristics of the intestinal wall in horses with different gastrointestinal diseases.
© 2020 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
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Publication Date: 2020-12-27 PubMed ID: 33368831DOI: 10.1111/vru.12946Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article presents a study on the feasibility of using ultrasound for assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in horses, comparing the results against traditional histopathology methods. The findings suggest that ultrasonography provides good agreement with histologic measurements for all parts of the GI tract, except the ileum. The research also highlights the practical application of these findings in examining live horses.

Study Methodology

  • The investigation consisted of two sub-studies – one ex vivo and one in vivo. In the first trial, twelve horses were euthanized for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal conditions, and samples of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, right dorsal colon, and small colon were gathered.
  • These samples were imaged sonographically (using ultrasound technology) post-mortem in an isotonic bath within 1 hour of euthanasia.
  • In the in vivo study, ultrasonography was conducted on four clinical cases. The results were then compared with histopathological findings to determine whether the imaging results corresponded to the physical condition of the GI tract.

Observations and Findings

  • According to the researchers, there was an observable 5-layer pattern (at various points of ultrasonographic echogenicity) in most of the ex vivo samples. However, the ileum did not reflect the agreement as expected.
  • The formalin fixation process did not interfere with the sonographic appearance or measurements of the intestinal walls, emphasising the non-disruptive nature of the ultrasonographic method.
  • The clinical case examinations demonstrated the capability to acquire detailed ultrasonographic images in living creatures. This suggests that the research could serve as a basis for future studies investigating ultrasonographic characteristics of the intestinal wall in horses suffering from various GI diseases.

Ideal Usage of the Study Results

  • The results from both the observational studies could prove particularly useful for veterinary doctors or researchers in diagnosing GI issues in horses.
  • Further studies could establish clearer standards of ultrasonography for different intestinal or disease conditions, providing a non-invasive tool for diagnosing GI diseases in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Bevevino KE, Edwards JF, Cohen ND, de Solis CN. (2020). Ex vivo comparison of ultrasonographic intestinal wall layering with histology in horses: A feasibilty study. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 62(3), 316-330. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12946

Publication

Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
ISSN: 1740-8261
NlmUniqueID: 9209635
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 62
Issue: 3
Pages: 316-330

Researcher Affiliations

Bevevino, Kari E
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
Edwards, John F
  • Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
Cohen, Noah D
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
de Solis, Cristobal Navas
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cadaver
  • Horses
  • Intestines / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Diana A, Freccero F, Giancola F, Linta N, Pietra M, Luca V, Salamanca G, Cipone M, Chiocchetti R. Ex vivo ultrasonographic and histological morphometry of small intestinal wall layers in horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2022 May;63(3):353-363.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.13059pubmed: 35171532google scholar: lookup
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