Impact of successive freezing-thawing cycles on 3-T magnetic resonance images of the digits of isolated equine limbs.
Abstract: To assess the impact of cycles of freezing and thawing on magnetic resonance (MR) images (obtained by use of a 3-T magnet) of equine feet examined ex vivo. Methods: 9 forelimbs from 9 horse cadavers. Methods: 9 forefeet underwent MR imaging first at ambient temperature within 12 hours after the horses' death and then after each freezing-thawing cycle. Three digits underwent freezing and thawing (at 4°C for 36 hours) 2 times, 3 digits underwent freezing and thawing (at 4°C for 36 hours) once and rescanning after 24 hours at ambient temperature, and 3 digits underwent freezing and thawing at ambient temperature for 24 hours once. Images of the digits obtained prior to freezing were subjectively compared with images obtained after freezing and thawing. Changes in the signal-to-noise ratio between examinations were assessed. Results: Overall image quality was considered unchanged except for the hoof capsule. Quantitative analysis revealed signal-to-noise ratio changes in bone marrow, soft tissues, and hoof capsule induced with both thawing processes. The signal-to-noise ratio in the synovial recess of the distal interphalangeal joint significantly increased as a result of thawing at 4°C. Conclusions: Although overall image quality was considered unchanged except for the hoof capsule, results suggested that changes induced in cadaver limbs following freezing and thawing, which are probably attributable both to modified and inhomogeneous temperature distribution and direct tissue damage, may alter the reliability of signal intensity in ex vivo MR examinations.
Publication Date: 2011-06-02 PubMed ID: 21627524DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.72.6.780Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study investigates the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on images obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of horse limbs after death using a 3-Tesla magnet, noting that while overall image quality remained consistent, some changes were observed, particularly in the hoof capsule.
Methodology
- Nine forefeet from horse cadavers were used for this study.
- The MR imaging for all the horse feet were initially done at room temperature within 12 hours after death, and subsequently after every freezing-thawing cycle.
- Three different freezing and thawing protocols were used — three limbs were frozen at 4°C for 36 hours, twice; three limbs were frozen at 4°C for 36 hours once and again scanned after 24 hours at room temperature; and the last three limbs were frozen and thawed at room temperature for 24 hours, once.
- The researchers subjectively compared the images obtained before freezing with the images taken after the freeze-thaw cycle.
- The team further analyzed changes in the signal-to-noise ratio in between the cycles.
Results
- No major changes were noticed in the overall image quality, other than in the hoof capsule of the horse feet.
- The study did find that the freeze-thaw cycle caused changes in the signal-to-noise ratio in the bone marrow, soft tissues, and the hoof capsule.
- Signal-to-noise ratio specifically in the synovial recess of the distal interphalangeal joint also noticeably increased due to freezing at 4°C followed by thawing.
Conclusion
- Despite the fact that the overall image quality did not change much post the freeze-thaw cycle, the researchers noted noteworthy changes in certain areas. Specifically, changes in the horsed feet’s hoof capsule were observed in MR images.
- The researchers attributed these changes to the modified and inhomogeneous temperature distribution and direct tissue damage that may happen due to the freeze-thaw cycle.
- These changes infer that the freeze-thaw cycle may impact the reliability of signal intensity in ex vivo MR examinations.
Cite This Article
APA
Bolen GE, Haye D, Dondelinger RF, Massart L, Busoni V.
(2011).
Impact of successive freezing-thawing cycles on 3-T magnetic resonance images of the digits of isolated equine limbs.
Am J Vet Res, 72(6), 780-790.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.72.6.780 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Medical Imaging Section, Department of Companion Animals and Equidae, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium. gbolen@ulg.ac.be
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cadaver
- Foot / diagnostic imaging
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Freezing
- Horses / physiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Pathology, Veterinary / methods
- Radiography
- Specimen Handling / methods
- Specimen Handling / veterinary
- Temperature
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Daniel CR, Taylor SE, McPhee S, Wolfram U, Schwarz T, Sommer S, Kershaw LE. Relationship between CT-Derived Bone Mineral Density and UTE-MR-Derived Porosity Index in Equine Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 31;13(17).
- Hansen RT, Chenu C, Sofat N, Pitsillides AA. Bone marrow lesions: plugging the holes in our knowledge using animal models. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023 Jul;19(7):429-445.
- Johnston GCA, Ahern BJ, Woldeyohannes SM, Young AC. Does the Low-Field MRI Appearance of Intraosseous STIR Hyperintensity in Equine Cadaver Limbs Change when Subjected to a Freeze-Thaw Process?. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 11;11(2).
- Röttiger C, Hellige M, Ohnesorge B, Bienert-Zeit A. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of equine cheek teeth and adjacent structures: comparative study of image quality in horses in vivo, post-mortem and frozen-thawed. Acta Vet Scand 2019 Dec 10;61(1):62.
- van der Made AD, Maas M, Beenen LF, Oostra RJ, Kerkhoffs GM. Postmortem imaging exposed: an aid in MR imaging of musculoskeletal structures. Skeletal Radiol 2013 Apr;42(4):467-72.
- Dancot M, Joostens Z, Audigié F, Busoni V. The plantar proximal cortex of the third metatarsal bone shows raised longitudinal ridges at the suspensory ligament enthesis in normal equine isolated limbs - a radiographic, computed tomography, and MRI study. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1265116.
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