Anatomical Description of Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta cornuta) Head by Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Gross-Sections

Abstract

In this paper, we attempted to elaborate on an atlas of the head of the rhinoceros iguana, applying modern imaging techniques such as CT and MRI. Furthermore, by combining the images acquired through these techniques with macroscopic anatomical sections, we obtained an adequate description of the relevant structures that form the head of this species. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different pathological processes in iguanas such as abscesses and osteodystrophy secondary to nutrient imbalances, skull malformations, fractures, and neoplasia.

Cranial Investigations of Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) by Anatomical Cross-Sections and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

“…In the case of the CNS, magnetic resonance imaging is considered the gold standard imaging modality for humans and animals, as CT tends to depict the CNS structures as a homogeneous formation without a clear distinction between its different components [ 24 ]. Furthermore, MRI allows the identification of structures deep into the bone and air and is less limited by operator experience [ 3 , 11 , 12 , 14 ]. Therefore, these advanced imaging techniques enhance anatomic identification and lesion detection, allowing assessment, detailed prognosis, diagnosis of underlying lesions, and treatment choice to be carried out [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…However, it is important to consider their cost, the need for sedation, and the time required for data analysis before employing these methods. Despite these disadvantages, their application in the study of endangered species is justified due to the valuable information they can provide with minimal risk to the animal [ 3 , 22 , 23 ]. In this study, we successfully yielded high-resolution images of the central nervous system and its related structures using state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging techniques such as MRI.…”

“…However, due to the wide interval between slices employed in this study, some of these structures were not clearly discernible in the transverse MR views. Comparable investigations conducted in other exotic species, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, iguanas, and loggerhead turtles, have consistently demonstrated that this combination is essential to comparing the relative positions and sizes of cephalic or other anatomical structures [ 3 , 14 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“…Traditionally, standard radiography was the choice more frequently used by clinicians, biologists, and researchers [ 1 ]. Nevertheless, the results of previous studies have demonstrated that computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide more information with which to improve diagnostic accuracy, prognosis, treatment of diseases, and anatomic knowledge [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. These modern techniques avoid the superimposition of adjacent anatomical structures and delineate the anatomic detail of specific tissue densities more finely, which improving the capacity for interpretation [ 2 ].…”

“…These modern techniques avoid the superimposition of adjacent anatomical structures and delineate the anatomic detail of specific tissue densities more finely, which improving the capacity for interpretation [ 2 ]. These benefits provide important value for the anatomic investigations of specific regions, providing essential knowledge of domestic and exotic mammal species [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Among these species, we highlight the crested porcupine ( Hystrix cristata ), which is one of the most well-known members of the family Hystricidae and is included in the IUCN red list as least concern since they are regionally or locally threatened, mainly due to the fact that they are hunted illegally for food and killed because they are considered as an agricultural pest [ 6 , 7 ].…”