Magnetic resonance signal changes during time in equine limbs refrigerated at 4 degrees C.
Abstract: When ex vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies are undertaken, specimen conservation should be taken into account when interpreting MR imaging results. The purpose of this study was to assess MR changes during time in the anatomic structures of the equine digit on eight cadaver limbs stored at 4 degrees C. The digits were imaged within 12 h after death and then after 1, 2, 7, and 14 days of refrigeration. After the last examination, four feet were warmed at room temperature for 24 h and reimaged. Sequences used were turbo spin echo (TSE) T1, TSE T2, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and double-echo steady state (DESS). Images obtained were compared subjectively side by side for image quality and signal changes. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured and compared between examinations. There were no subjective changes in image quality. A mild size reduction of the synovial recesses was detected subjectively. No signal change was seen subjectively except for bone marrow that appeared slightly hyperintense in STIR and slightly hypointense in TSE T2 sequence after refrigeration compared with day 0. Using quantitative analysis, significant SNR changes in bone marrow of refrigerated limbs compared with day 0 were detected in STIR and TSE T2 sequences. Warming at room temperature for 24 h produced a reverse effect on SNR compared with refrigeration with a significant increase in SNR in TSE T2 images. After 14 days of refrigeration a statistically significant decrease of SNR was found in bone marrow in TSE T2 and DESS sequences. The SNR in the deep digital flexor tendon was not characterized by significant change in SNR.
Publication Date: 2010-02-20 PubMed ID: 20166388DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01615.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Anatomy
- Animal Studies
- Bone Marrow
- Cadaver Study
- Clinical Pathology
- Comparative Study
- Deep Digital Flexor Tendon
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Ex Vivo Study
- Experimental Methods
- Imaging Techniques
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Physiology
- Refrigeration
- Temperature
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The research article is about the effects of prolonged refrigeration on interpreting the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results of equine limbs. The researchers specifically examined how storage affects signal changes and image quality, finding that prolonged refrigeration and subsequent re-warming can significantly alter the signal-to-noise ratio in specific sequences.
Methodology
The research used eight cadaver horse limbs, stored at 4 degrees Celsius. These specimens were subjected to MR imaging within 12 hours after death and then periodically for 14 days. In the final part of the experiment, four specimens were taken out of refrigeration, warmed to room temperature for 24 hours, and then re-imaged. The sequences used in imaging included turbo spin echo (TSE) T1, TSE T2, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and double-echo steady state (DESS).
- The objective was to assess changes in the anatomic structures of the equine digit over time, as conserved under refrigeration.
Results
The research team found no subjective changes in image quality throughout the entire process.
- A slight reduction in the size of the synovial recesses was observed.
- Regarding MR signals, the main change was in bone marrow, where increased intensity was noted in STIR and a decrease in TSE T2 sequence after refrigeration compared with the day of death.
- Using quantitative analysis, significant Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) changes in refrigerated bone marrow were detected when compared with the initial measurements.
Effects of Warming
After warming up the refrigerated limbs, the researchers noted a reverse effect in SNR.
- There was a significant increase in SNR in TSE T2 images after bringing the specimens back to room temperature.
- Following 14 days of refrigeration, a significant decrease of SNR was detected in bone marrow in TSE T2 and DESS sequences.
- However, the SNR in the deep digital flexor tendon did not display a significant change.
In conclusion, the conservation method of specimens plays a significant role in MR imaging studies, specifically affecting the interpretation of bone marrow signals in equine digits.
Cite This Article
APA
Bolen G, Haye D, Dondelinger R, Busoni V.
(2010).
Magnetic resonance signal changes during time in equine limbs refrigerated at 4 degrees C.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 51(1), 19-24.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01615.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Companion Animals and Equidae, Medical Imaging Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Boulevard de Colonster, 20, Baltiment B41, 4000 Liège, Belgium. gbolen@ulg.ac.be
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cadaver
- Extremities / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Radiography
- Refrigeration
- Specimen Handling / methods
- Specimen Handling / veterinary
- Temperature
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Bolz NM, Sánchez-Andrade JS, Torgerson PR, Bischofberger AS. Diagnostic Performance of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Arthrography and 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Diagnose Experimentally Created Articular Cartilage Lesions in Equine Cadaver Stifles. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 14;13(14).
- 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).
- Driban JB, Barbe MF, Amin M, Kalariya NS, Zhang M, Lo GH, Tassinari AM, Harper D, Price LL, Eaton CB, Schneider E, McAlindon TE. Validation of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging-based apparent bone volume fraction in peri-articular tibial bone of cadaveric knees. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2014 Apr 29;15:143.
- 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.
- Bruguier C, Magnin V, Knebel JF, Grabherr S, Dunet V, Genet P. Inversion time optimization in postmortem 1.5 tesla FLAIR brain imaging: a pilot study. Int J Legal Med 2025 Nov;139(6):2847-2855.
- Germonpré J, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Raes E, Chiers K, Jans L, Vanderperren K. Post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot: a proof of concept. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1201017.
- 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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