The equine cervical spine: comparing MRI and contrast-enhanced CT images with anatomic slices in the sagittal, dorsal, and transverse plane.

The research explores the anatomy of the equine cervical spine and evaluates the proficiency of two imaging technologies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CT), in visualizing it. The researchers use these technologies on three equine cervical spines post-euthanasia and compare the results with detailed anatomic studies.

Research Objective and Methodology

The study had two main objectives,

• Firstly, it aimed to provide an in-depth view of the equine cervical spine’s anatomy by comparing anatomic sections with corresponding MRI and Contrast-enhanced CT images, conducted in three varied planes – sagittal, dorsal, and transverse.
• Second, it observed the capacity of MRI and Contrast-enhance CT imaging to effectively represent anatomical structures in this region.

The methods followed involved utilizing the cervical spines of three young adult horses euthanized humanely. These specimens were held in a naturally flexed position with an angle of 20 degrees, imaged within six hours of euthanasia using MRI and Contrast-Enhanced CT. Furthermore, measurements of the intervertebral disk thickness, facet joint angle, sagittal dural space diameter, and ventromedial facet joint projection were quantified.

Findings and Conclusion

The researchers found that both the MRI and Contrast-enhanced CT images were reliable in identifying the anatomic location of crucial structures such as facet joints, spinal cord, cervical nerve roots, and intervertebral disks. However, the images offered distinct advantages – While CT images excelled at outlining osseous (bony) borders, MR images were more refined at mapping soft tissue structures.

Conclusion reached by the researchers suggested an enhanced understanding of normal cervical spine anatomy in horses, and recognition of the diagnostic usefulness of cervical MRI and contrast-enhanced CT within the equine field. The insights gained from the study can greatly contribute to the accurate diagnosis of cervical diseases in horses and thus, influence their performance and welfare.