Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the equine deep digital flexor tendon and distal sesamoid bone in advanced navicular disease–an ex vivo study.
Abstract: We describe the abnormal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and distal sesamoid bone in horses with radiographic changes compatible with navicular syndrome. Thirteen postmortem specimens were examined using a 1.5-T magnetic field, with spin echo (SE) T1-weighted, turbo SE (TSE) proton density-weighted (with and without fat saturation), and fat saturation TSE T2-weighted sequences. The limbs were then dissected to compare the MR findings with the gross assessment and histologic examination of the DDFT and distal sesamoid bones. Tendonous abnormalities were detected by MR imaging in 12 DDFTs and confirmed at necropsy. Most tendon lesions were located at the level of the distal sesamoid bone and the proximal recess of the podotrochlear bursa. Tendon lesions were classified based on their MR imaging features as core lesions, dorsal lesions, dorsal abrasions, and parasagittal splits. Areas of increased MR signal in the DDFTs were characterized by tendon fiber disturbance and lack of continuity of the collagen fibers, foci of edema, hemorrhages, and formation of lakes containing eosinophilic plasma-like material or amphophilic material of low density. Bone marrow signal alterations in the distal sesamoid bone were seen in all digits. Two main phenomena were responsible for the abnormal signal, respectively, in T1-weighted (decreased signal) and in T2-weighted fat-suppressed images (increased signal): a decrease in the fat marrow content in the trabecular spaces and an increase in the fluid content. Histologic examination revealed foci of bone marrow edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, and fibrosis. Cyst formation and trabecular abnormalities (disorganization, thinning, remodelling) were also observed in areas of abnormal signal intensity. Increased bone density because of trabecular thickening induced a decrease in signal in all sequences.
Publication Date: 2005-10-19 PubMed ID: 16229425DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2005.00051.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article investigates abnormal findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the deep digital flexor tendon and distal sesamoid bone in horses affected by advanced navicular disease. In this ex vivo study, these findings are then compared to physical assessments and histological evaluations post-mortem.
MRI Methodology and Findings
- The researchers used thirteen post-mortem specimens of horses with radiographic changes indicative of navicular syndrome. The specimens underwent an MRI scan using a 1.5-T magnetic field with various sequences.
- MRI scans revealed tendon abnormalities in 12 of the deep digital flexor tendons (DDFTs). These lesions were predominantly located at the distal sesamoid bone and the proximal recess of the podotrochlear bursa.
- Based on their MRI features, the tendon lesions were categorized into core lesions, dorsal lesions, dorsal abrasions, and parasagittal splits.
- Increased MRI signal in the DDFTs suggested a disturbance and lack of continuity in the tendon fibers, spots of edema (swelling due to fluid collection), hemorrhages, and the formation of bodies containing specific materials.
- Signal alterations in the distal sesamoid bone marrow were observed in all specimens.
Comparison with Gross Assessment and Histologic Examination
- The researchers then physically dissected the specimens to compare the MRI findings with the gross assessment results and histologic examination of the DDFT and distal sesamoid bones.
- The histological examination identified spots of edema, hemorrhaging, necrosis (cellular death), and fibrosis (excessive growth of connective tissue) in the bone marrow, consistent with the MRI findings.
- Additionally, cyst formation and disorganization, thinning, and remodeling of trabecular bones were seen in areas of abnormal signal intensity.
- An increase in bone density due to the thickening of trabecular bones resulted in decreased signal across all MRI sequences.
Conclusion
- This study demonstrates that MRI scans can effectively identify lesions and structural abnormalities in the DDFT and distal sesamoid bone in cases of advanced navicular disease in horses.
- The findings highlight the potential of MRI as a diagnostic tool in veterinary orthopedics, particularly in identifying and characterizing tendon and bone changes due to advanced navicular disease.
Cite This Article
APA
Busoni V, Heimann M, Trenteseaux J, Snaps F, Dondelinger RF.
(2005).
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the equine deep digital flexor tendon and distal sesamoid bone in advanced navicular disease–an ex vivo study.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 46(4), 279-286.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2005.00051.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Service d'Imagerie Medicale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Liège, Sart-Tilman B41, Bd De Colonster, 4000 Liège, Belgium. vbusoni@ulg.ac.be
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Diseases / pathology
- Bone Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Sesamoid Bones / pathology
- Tarsal Bones / pathology
- Tendons / pathology
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Barrett MF, Goorchenko GE, Frisbie DD. Comparison of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identifying Soft Tissue Abnormalities in the Palmar Aspect of the Equine Digit.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 17;13(14).
- Brock BA, Greer HR, Honnas CM, Gilleland BE, Barrett MF, Moore JN, Cohen ND. A Randomized, Self-Controlled Case Series Evaluating Core Osteostixis of Osseous Cyst-Like Lesions of the Navicular Bone to Improve Lameness in Horses with Podotrochlear Syndrome.. Vet Med (Auckl) 2023;14:35-46.
- McParland TJ, Horne CR, Robertson JB, Schnabel LV, Nelson NC. Alterations to the synovial invaginations of the navicular bone are associated with pathology of both the navicular apparatus and distal interphalangeal joint when evaluated using high field MRI.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2023 Jan;64(1):9-17.
- Evrard L, Joostens Z, Vandersmissen M, Audigié F, Busoni V. Comparison Between Ultrasonographic and Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in the Podotrochlear Apparatus of Horses With Foot Pain.. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:675180.
- Seghrouchni M, Elkasraoui H, Piro M, Alyakine H, Bouayad H, Chakir J, Tligui N, Elallali K, Azrib R. Osteoarticular radiographic findings of the distal forelimbs in Tbourida Horses.. Heliyon 2019 Sep;5(9):e02514.
- Mizobe F, Nomura M, Ueno T, Yamada K. Bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal phalanx of Thoroughbred racehorses.. J Vet Med Sci 2019 Apr 16;81(4):593-597.
- White NA 2nd, Barrett JG. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Treatment of Equine Distal Interphalangeal Joint Collateral Ligaments: 2009-2014.. Front Vet Sci 2016;3:73.
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