Intraarterial contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the equine distal extremity.
Abstract: A technique for regional delivery of contrast medium to the foot of the horse to increase the diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) for the characterization of soft tissue structures within the hoof capsule was developed. An intraarterial catheter was placed under ultrasound guidance into the medial palmar artery at the level of the carpus to facilitate a steady-state infusion of iodinated contrast medium. Two 5 mm collimated contiguous acquisition CT scans were performed in 10 horses without lameness or radiographic evidence of distal sesamoid bone degeneration. CT examination was performed before and during regional arterial infusion of iodinated contrast medium administered at a rate of 2 ml/s. Cross-sectional area and mean pre- and post-contrast attenuation of the deep digital flexor tendon and the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint were quantified from CT images. Soft tissue anatomy of the foot was also qualitatively characterized from pre- and postcontrast images. Catheterization was successful and without complication in all horses. The evaluated tendons and ligaments were clearly visible and had a small (8-20 Hounsfield Unit) but significant (P < 0.05, paired t-test) increase in attenuation during the steady-state infusion of contrast medium. This study should enhance the diagnostic potential of CT by providing baseline quantitative data for comparison with horses affected with soft tissue injuries in the distal extremity causing lameness that is alleviated with a palmar digital nerve block.
Publication Date: 2007-01-24 PubMed ID: 17236355DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00198.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research presents a new method of regional delivery of contrast medium to a horse’s foot. This technique augments the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scans for assessing soft tissue structures within the hoof capsule. The results reveal a significant increase in the visual clarity of targeted tendons and ligaments. The findings offer a foundation for comparative analysis of horses afflicted with distal extremity injuries causing lameness.
Methods of Research
- The researchers devised a new procedure for regional distribution of an iodinated contrast medium to the horse’s foot. The intent was to enhance the diagnostic worth of CT scans in identifying the soft tissue structures present within the hoof capsule.
- An intraarterial catheter was inserted under ultrasound guidance into the medial palmar artery – located at the level of the carpus. This setting was chosen to sustain a steady-state injection of the contrast medium.
- Two 5mm collimated contiguous acquisition CT scans were performed on ten horses. None of these horses exhibited lameness or radiographic signs of distal sesamoid bone degeneration.
- CT examinations were carried out before and during the regional arterial infusion of the contrast medium at a rate of 2ml/s.
Results and Discussion
- Findings from pre- and post-contrast CT images were used to quantify the cross-sectional area and mean pre- and post-contrast attenuation of the deep digital flexor tendon along with the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint.
- Success was met in catheterization procedures without any complications in all of the horses. This reaffirms the feasibility and safety of the method proposed.
- Examination of the tendons and ligaments of interest revealed a significant but small (8 to 20 Hounsfield Unit) increase in attenuation while the contrast medium was sustained. This implies clearer visibility, thus effective diagnosis. This was further supported by a statistical significance of P < 0.05, paired t-test.
Significance of Study
- The research is of considerable importance as it can enhance the diagnostic potentiality of CT. It furnishes a quantitative baseline data tool which can be used for comparison with horses affected by lameness-inducing soft tissue injuries within the distal extremity – injuries that can be alleviated with a palmar digital nerve block. Therefore, not only does it innovate diagnostic methods, but also opens avenues for improved treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Puchalski SM, Galuppo LD, Hornof WJ, Wisner ER.
(2007).
Intraarterial contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the equine distal extremity.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 48(1), 21-29.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00198.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Catheterization / veterinary
- Contrast Media / administration & dosage
- Forelimb / anatomy & histology
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Hindlimb / anatomy & histology
- Hindlimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / injuries
- Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Tendons / anatomy & histology
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
- Toe Joint / anatomy & histology
- Toe Joint / diagnostic imaging
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Gerdes C, Morgan R, Terry R, Foote A, Smith R. Computed tomographic arthrography, gross anatomy and histology demonstrate a communication between synovial invaginations in the proximal aspect of the third interosseous muscle and the carpometacarpal joint in horses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:958598.
- Blaettler C, Kaessmeyer S, Grabherr S, Koch C, Schweizer D, Van der Vekens E. Post-mortem Computed Tomographic Angiography in Equine Distal Forelimbs: A Feasibility Study. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:868390.
- Zani D, Rabbogliatti V, Ravasio G, Pettinato C, Giancamillo MD, Zani DD. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the foot in horses using intravenous versus regional intraarterial injection of gadolinium. Open Vet J 2018;8(4):471-478.
- Yamada K, Inui T, Itoh M, Yanagawa M, Sato F, Tominari M, Mizobe F, Kishimoto M, Sasaki N. Characteristic findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) for severe chronic laminitis in a Thoroughbred horse. J Equine Sci 2017;28(3):105-110.
- Crijns CP, Baeumlin Y, De Rycke L, Broeckx BJ, Vlaminck L, Bergman EH, van Bree H, Gielen I. Intra-arterial versus intra venous contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the equine head. BMC Vet Res 2016 Jan 7;12:6.
- Brommer H, Voermans M, Veraa S, van den Belt AJ, van der Toorn A, Ploeg M, Gröne A, Back W. Axial osteitis of the proximal sesamoid bones and desmitis of the intersesamoidean ligament in the hindlimb of Friesian horses: review of 12 cases (2002-2012) and post-mortem analysis of the bone-ligament interface. BMC Vet Res 2014 Nov 19;10:272.
- Kim T, Lee S, Seo JP. Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the foot in Jeju horses. J Vet Sci 2026 Jan;27(1):e7.
- Abdel Maksoud MKM, Hagag U, Salouci M, Mahmoud HH, Ibrahim AAH. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the normal distal limb in sheep (Ovis aries). BMC Vet Res 2025 Nov 13;21(1):664.
- Underberg BA, Kaessmeyer S, Schweizer D, Drews B, Van der Vekens E. Non-contrast enhanced visualization of the equine foot vasculature in a cadaver model using time-of-flight sequence. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1585940.
- Bierau J, Cruz AM, Koch C, Manso-Diaz G, Büttner K, Staszyk C, Röcken M. Visualization of anatomical structures in the fetlock region of the horse using cone beam computed tomography in comparison with conventional multidetector computed tomography. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1278148.
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