High resolution MRI anatomy of the cat brain at 3Tesla

Abstract

Background Feline models of neurologic diseases, such as lysosomal storage diseases, leukodystrophies, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and NeuroAIDS, accurately recreate many aspects of human disease allowing for comparative study of neuropathology and the testing of novel therapeutics. Here we describe in vivo visualization of fine structures within the feline brain that were previously only visible post mortem. New Method 3 Tesla MR images were acquired using T1-weighted (T1w) 3D magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequence (0.4mm isotropic resolution) and T2-weighted (T2w) turbo spin echo (TSE) images (0.3×0.3×1 mm3 resolution). Anatomic structures were identified based on feline and canine histology. Results T2w high resolution MR images with detailed structural identification are provided in transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. T1w MR images are provided electronically in three dimensions for unrestricted spatial evaluation. Comparison with Existing Methods Many areas of the feline brain previously unresolvable on MRI are clearly visible in three orientations, including the dentate, interpositus and fastigial cerebellar nuclei, cranial nerves, lateral geniculate nucleus, optic radiation, cochlea, caudal colliculus, temporal lobe, precuneus, spinocerebellar tract, vestibular nuclei, reticular formation, pyramids and rostral and middle cerebral arteries. Additionally, the feline brain is represented in 3 dimensions for the first time. Conclusions These data establish normal appearance of detailed anatomical structures of the feline brain, which provide reference when evaluating neurologic disease or testing efficacy of novel therapeutics in animal models.

Gyration of the Feline Brain: Localization, Terminology and Variability

“…They also identified some gyri and sulci, however it was not the main scope of their work. We think that most of these structures (gyri and sulci) are visible by high field MRI analysis, however this topic was not investigated in the present study, but can be found elsewere (Gray‐Edwards et al., ). The figures provided in our study allow for a better and more detailed anatomical differentiation within the feline cortex.…”

Translational models for vascular cognitive impairment: a review including larger species

“…MRI protocols are now available for dogs [59], cats [60], non-human primates [61–63], pigs [64, 65] and sheep [66]. MRI (T1, T2, FLAIR) is advantageous for analysis of tissue volume and lesions [66], as well as for anatomical evaluation of particular brain areas [67].…”

Diagnosis of cerebral ventriculomegaly in felines using 0.25 Tesla and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

“…In cases of hydrocephalus or ventriculomegaly, periventricular oedema is visualised in MRI. Thus, ventricular volume can be calculated incorrectly when marginal oedema surrounding cerebral ventricles is taken into consideration (Cherubini et al 2008;Gray-Edwards et al 2014). In our opinion, the difference in results may be the result of better visibility of the ventricular boundary in high-field MRI, while in low-field MRI the volume was miscalculated because marginal oedema was taken into consideration.…”

“…In other studies, the authors were able to observe and/or measure the lateral ventricles of healthy cats in low-and high-field MRI (Gray-Edwards et al 2014;Przyborowska et al 2017a;Przyborowska et al 2017b). In our study, ventricular volume was compared in different magnetic fields, and we were able to observe dilated ventricles in 17 cats and normal sized ventricles in three cats in both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images.…”