Agreement between transverse T2‐weighted and three‐dimensional constructive interference in steady state sequences in the evaluation of spinal cord disease in dogs

Abstract

The constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequence has been widely used in human neuroimaging. It has been shown to be advantageous in the evaluation of intra-axial and extra-axial cystic abnormalities, arteriovenous and dysraphic malformations and disturbances of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. To assess the utility of this technique in small animals, interpretations based on this sequence were compared with those based on T2-weighted (T2W) sequences in 145 dogs that underwent MRI of the spine for suspected spinal cord disease. Two sets of images (T2W and CISS) were reviewed separately by three observers in random order and intraobserver and interobserver agreements between both sequences were evaluated for several categorical variables. The overall agreement between T2W and CISS sequences was good. The highest agreement was observed for lesion diagnosis (0.739<k<0.928), treatment recommendation (0.715<k<0.833) and degree of spinal cord compression (0.772<k<0.952). The agreement for intramedullary intensity change (0.192<k<0.332) was lower compared with the other variables. Lesions that were predominantly characterised by focal hyperintense parenchymal changes on T2W were in some instances undetected on the CISS sequence while lesions consistent with spinal arachnoid diverticula on CISS sequences were occasionally missed on T2W. CISS enabled demonstration that lesions were directly affecting associated spinal nerves in some cases where T2W sequence was equivocal. Although CISS does not replace standard spin echo sequences, the results support inclusion of this sequence in small animal spinal MRI studies when subarachnoid diverticula or spinal nerve compression is suspected.

Craniocervical Morphometry in Pomeranians—Part II: Associations with Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia

“…A fairly large number of diagnostic-imaging-based (computed tomography (CT) and MRI) studies have focused on the morphology of the skull and craniocervical region of the CKCS and other mostly brachycephalic and small or toy breed dogs in relation to disorders such as atlantoaxial instability, atlantoaxial overlapping, and CM/SM [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. These studies have provided valuable information on the pathogenesis of and relationships between these disorders.…”

Craniocervical Morphometry in Pomeranians—Part I: Intra-Observer, Interobserver, and Intermodality (CT vs. MRI) Agreement

“…A fairly large number of diagnostic imaging-based (computed tomography (CT) and MRI) studies have focused on the morphology of the skull and craniocervical region of the CKCS and other mostly brachycephalic and small or toy breed dogs in relation to disorders such as atlantoaxial instability, atlantoaxial overlapping, and CM/SM [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. These studies have provided valuable information on the pathogenesis of and relationships between these disorders.…”

Comparison between T2‐weighted two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional fast spin‐echo MRI sequences for characterizing thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in small‐breed dogs

“…8,14 In veterinary medicine, T2weighted (T2W) 3D sequences have also been used for imaging of the pituitary gland, cruciate ligament rupture with associated osteoarthritis, and the spine. [15][16][17][18] In the evaluation of spinal cord disease using MRI, 3D constructive interference in a steady-state sequence was shown to improve the delineation of subarachnoid diverticula and spinal nerve compression. 18 At the time of this study, published reports describing the clinical utility of 3D-FSE sequences relative to conventional 2D-FSE sequences for dogs with IVDD were not found.…”

“…In human spinal MRI, 3D‐FSE sequences have been reported to be superior to conventional 2D‐FSE sequences for delineating small anatomical details 8,14 . In veterinary medicine, T2‐weighted (T2W) 3D sequences have also been used for imaging of the pituitary gland, cruciate ligament rupture with associated osteoarthritis, and the spine 15–18 . In the evaluation of spinal cord disease using MRI, 3D constructive interference in a steady‐state sequence was shown to improve the delineation of subarachnoid diverticula and spinal nerve compression 18 .…”