Magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax and abdomen in foals

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax and abdomen in foalsSubject matter: MRI of foals Objective: In order to produce high quality images of thoracic and abdominal organs of foals using MRI technology, it is necessary to utilize sequences of short duration. Materials and Method: Examination of 22 dead foals using 56 sequences, routinely utilized in human medicine with the body spine coil. The sequences were tested and modified on an open low field system (Magnetom Open viva, Siemens, 0,2 Tesla). T1-, T2-, protondensity-weighted sequences and two TrueFISP sequences in coronal sagittal and transverse planes were among the sequences used. Results: The measuring times were restricted to a range of several seconds to a maximum of 3 min. 48 sec. Examination of the lung revealed pneumonia, atelectasis, edema, hyperemia and emphysema.. Effusions in body cavities or the pericardium could be demonstrated in 100% of the cases utilizing MR technology. The mediastinum, the diaphragm, gastric and intestinal contents, kidneys and adrenal glands as well as dilatation of the heart and hepatic or splenic hyperplasia can be readily visualized and evaluated. Full or air-filled urinary bladders, and the urachus were easily identified in the images. Clinical and scientific relevance: Images of thoracic and abdominal organs in the foal were produced for the first time using MRI. In the future, this non-invasive, non-radiating form of cross-sectional imaging will serve as a viable alternative used to provide images of soft tissues, organs and vessels of living foals. Conclusion: A nuclear magnetic resonance tomograph with a magnetic field of 0,2 tesla is sufficient, when utilizing the sequences and time frames established in this study, to demonstrate high quality images of the thoracic and abdominal organs of dead foals.

Advances in the Diagnosis of Equine Respiratory Diseases: A Review of Novel Imaging and Functional Techniques

“…Therefore, the high-field MR imaging of the horse's head, but no further, is available under general anesthesia only for ponies, foals, or the rostral part of larger horses. The equine low-field MR scanners provide an examination in standing sedated horses; however, the scanner should include a specific system, which is not the same as the small system designed for the equine limb scanning [45,46].…”

Neonatal respiratory distress and sepsis in the premature foal: Challenges with diagnosis and management

“…Diagnostic approaches for the clinical evaluation of respiratory dysfunction in the neonatal foal should include determination of the respiratory rate, characterisation of respiratory effort, careful auscultation of the trachea and each hemithorax, arterial blood gas analysis (evaluated before and after patient supplementation with oxygen), cytological and microbiological evaluation of airway lining fluid, endoscopy, and thoracic ultrasonography and radiography. MRI has been advocated for imaging of the thorax of neonatal equids, although this method would require general anaesthesia (Fitz and Gerhards 2005). Similarly, the use of CT for purposes of imaging the neonatal foal's thorax necessitates general anaesthesia.…”