Relation of fibrocartilaginous embolism and acute and non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion with imaging tests: case report / Relação de embolia fibrocartilaginosa e extrusão aguda e não-compressiva do núcleo pulposus com testes de imagem: relato de caso

Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCEM) and acute, non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) are non-compressive myelopathies that are difficult to differentiate. The definitive diagnosis is obtained only with histology, but the presumptive diagnosis is made through clinical signs and imaging tests. The aim of this study is to report the imaging tests performed for the diagnosis of a neurological clinical case and discuss the best diagnostic method. After attending the patient, complementary tests were requested. Radiography results showed no change. The computed tomography diagnostic impression indicated distal protrusion between C6-C7, T11-T12, T13-L1 followed by mild spinal cord compression defined by the presence of a ventral hyperattenuating region. Magnetic resonance (RMI), showed a slight T2W hypersignal, well delimited in the gray matter, lateralized to the right, over the cranial third of C7. Concluding that the magnetic resonance is the method that brought more information for the diagnosis, in which the others were not described medullary alterations pertinent to FCEM and ANNPE. With their fair prognosis, the absence of histological diagnosis of these diseases may be a limiting factor in this study and, in relation to the RMI alterations being very similar between FCEM and ANNPE it is not possible to diagnose fully accurately.

A embolia fibrocartilaginosa (EFC) e a extrusão aguda não compressiva do núcleo pulposo (EANCNP) são mielopatias não compressivas de difícil diferenciação. O diagnóstico definitivo é obtido apenas com a histologia, mas o diagnóstico presuntivo é feito por meio de sinais clínicos e exames de imagem. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar os exames de imagem realizados para o diagnóstico de um caso clínico neurológico e discutir o melhor método diagnóstico. Após o atendimento do paciente, foram solicitados exames complementares. Os resultados da radiografia não mostraram nenhuma alteração. A impressão diagnóstica da tomografia computadorizada indicou protrusão distal entre C6-C7, T11-T12, T13-L1, seguida de leve compressão medular definida pela presença de região hiperatenuante ventral. À ressonância magnética (RM), apresentava discreto hipersinal em T2W, bem delimitado na substância cinzenta, lateralizado à direita, sobre o terço cranial de C7. Concluiu-se que a ressonância magnética é o método que mais trouxe informações para o diagnóstico, os demais métodos não foram descritos alterações medulares pertinentes à EFC e à EANCNP. Com seu prognóstico favorável, a ausência de diagnóstico histológico dessas doenças pode ser um fator limitante neste estudo. Em relação às alterações do RM serem muito semelhantes entre EFC e EANCNP, não é possível diagnosticar com total precisão.

Adrenal glands of Chinchilla lanigera - study of anatomical features with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Since chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is frequently used as a laboratory animal, satisfactory data about the imaging anatomical appearance of its adrenal glands, such as their anatomical location and closeness with other abdominal soft tissue and vessels, are important. The aim of this study to determine anatomical features of the chinchilla adrenal gland's using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Materials, Methods & Results: We used 12 chinchillas (6 males and 6 females), aged 18 months. The animals were in supine recumbency when contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed. Transverse, sagittal and dorsal images of the adrenal glands were obtained with iodinated contrast medium, and 3D reconstruction of the obtained images was applied. The craniocaudal (CrCc - length), dorsoventral (DV - height) and lateromedial (LM - width) diameters were measured using an electronic calliper. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and coronal T1-weighted images were obtained. The transverse CT anatomical image at the level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra demonstrated the location of the both adrenal glands in accordance with the grey-white scale's variation. The right adrenal gland was hypo-attenuated and elliptic compared to the right kidney and in close contact to it and to the caudal vena cava. The left adrenal gland was oval and at a distance to the abdominal aorta. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla's abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed that both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs. Discussion: Post-contrasted CT defined the topography of both glands. The right adrenal gland has an oval shape and is cranially situated to the left gland, whose shape is cylindrical and elongated. The LM diameter of the right gland is higher than that measured in the left gland. Both DV and CrCc diameters of the right gland are lower compared to those of the left gland. The right adrenal gland is in close contact to the caudal vena cava, the right kidney and the liver, and the left adrenal gland is in a distance to the abdominal aorta. The right adrenal gland was close to the caudal vena cava and the right kidney and medially to the left kidney. The successful comparative analysis of the images in 3D reconstruction and post-contrast CT in 2D allowed us to conclude that 3D reconstruction is suitable to obtain detailed information in a summary form regarding the closeness of the glands and their shape, mainly because the results are in a real time and highly comprehensive. Our data are in in agreement with previous findings about the advantages of 3D reconstruction. The research algorithm applied was based on the dorsal visualization of the glands in T1-weighted sequence, achieving a comprehensive and high-quality MRI imaging of the examined organs in chinchillas. Both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs and with low signal. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla's abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed the whole profile of the right and left glands and the cranial position of the right gland to the left one, the close contact between the right gland and the kidney and the distance between the left gland and the left kidney. The MRI results are detailed and comprehensive for interpretation. In conclusion, the results of the present study are comprehensive, detailed and with high resolution. We present data for the anatomical relationships of the studied organs, their shape and macrometric parameters, concluding that the above mentioned modalities are very important tools for studying the chinchilla's adrenal glands to create a morphological base, which is necessary to investigate specific diseases.

Artéria subclávia direita aberrante em cão - aspectos clínicos e de imagem / Aberrant right subclavian artery in a dog - clinical and imaging aspects

Background: Aberrant right subclavian artery is only rarely observed in veterinary medicine. Some animals may present postprandial regurgitation and progressive weight loss, which is considered an incidental finding unrelated to clinical alterations. Advanced imaging techniques such as thoracic CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast angiography are used for the accurate detection of lesions, anatomical changes and specific information about vascular rings. This paper describes the clinical changes, imaging exams and therapeutic approach in a female dog with megaesophagus induced by an aberrant right subclavian artery. Case: A 2-month-old female bull terrier, weighing 1.6 kg, with a history of regurgitation immediately or a few minutes after a meal, diarrhea, polyphagia, progressive emaciation and apathy for 45 days, was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. The dog's physical examination revealed 7% dehydration and body condition score 1 (scale 1 to 5), but no cardiac or pulmonary alterations upon auscultation. The hematological analysis and renal and hepatic serum enzymes were within the normal range for the species. In view of the presumptive clinical diagnosis of vascular anomaly, suggested by the contrast X-ray examination, a chest tomography was performed, which revealed altered aortic arch shape and contours, and a posterior aneurysm in the area of abnormal connection of the right subclavian artery. The patient was released with a prescription for conservative dietary management for megaesophagus. Within two weeks, the patient returned with a report of a good response to the prescribed therapy, absence of vomiting and diarrhea, and an increase in body weight. Surgical correction was recommended, but has not been performed so far, but conservative treatment for megaesophagus was continued. No further episodes of regurgitation were identified during the nine-month follow-up period. Discussion: In the case reported here, the right subclavian artery is considered anatomically atypical because it arises directly from the aortic arch. This vascular anomaly passes on to the right pectoral limb, dorsal to the esophagus, contracting it in its dorsal aspect. It tends to affect purebred dogs, occurring more frequently in Irish setters, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, although it has been described in other breeds such as the bull terrier documented here and mixed breed dogs. Vascular ring anomalies may not cause clinical changes in animals and represent only incidental findings, or they may lead to gastrointestinal changes resulting from esophageal stricture, contributing to megaesophagus and clinical signs of esophageal obstruction, especially in recently weaned puppies. Such alterations were observed in this case, with the dog presenting regurgitation, immediately or a few minutes after a meal, megaesophagus, diarrhea and progressive weight loss. A CT scan was performed to confirm the type and location of the vascular anomaly and diagnostic accuracy, as recommended in the literature. Dietary therapy is one of the approaches adopted for patients presenting with regurgitation resulting from megaesophagus secondary to vascular anomalies. The dog in this report responded well to the medical therapy; nevertheless, the treatment of choice to correct the esophageal obstruction caused by this anomaly is surgical sectioning of the aberrant vessel by right intercostal thoracotomy, given that the degree of esophageal dilation and dysfunction tends to increase over time. However, at this time, the animal's owner decided to suspend the recommended surgical procedure.

Métodos ultrassonográficos na avaliação das afecções prostáticas em cães ­ revisão de literatura / Ultrasonographic methods in the evaluation of prostatic disorders in dogs ­ paper review

O objetivo desta revisão foi descrever as principais técnicas de avaliação e achados ultrassonográficos da próstata canina. A ultrassonografia é o método de escolha para avaliação da glândula prostática, sendo imprescindível como auxílio no diagnóstico na detecção de anormalidades, principalmente quando há suspeita da presença de tumores. Com inovação dos equipamentos, surgiram técnicas complementares à ultrassonografia modo Bidimensional (B), tais como Doppler, ultrassonografia contrastada e elastografia, que aumentam a acurácia diagnóstica. O Doppler fornece informações sobre arquitetura vascular e aspectos hemodinâmicos dos vasos sanguíneos. A ultrassonografia contrastada permite determinar parâmetros relacionados à perfusão sanguínea das estruturas pelos agentes de contraste (ex.: microbolhas), definindo, portanto, padrões de alta e baixa intensidade da arquitetura vascular. A elastografia proporciona a avaliação da rigidez tecidual tanto de forma qualitativa, por meio de elastogramas, quanto quantitativa, por meio das velocidades de cisalhamento. Espera-se que esta revisão possa contribuir com informações relevantes aos leitores e veterinários da área de ultrassonografia e reprodução animal.(AU)

The purpose of this review was to describe the main assessment techniques and ultrasound findings of the canine prostate. Ultrasonography is the method of choice for assessing the prostate gland, being essential as an aid in the diagnosis in the detection of abnormalities, especially when the presence of tumors is suspected. With the innovation of the equipment, complementary techniques to B-mode ultrasonography have emerged, such as Doppler, contrasted ultrasound and elastography, which increase the diagnostic accuracy. Doppler provides information on vascular architecture and hemodynamic aspects of blood vessels. Contrast ultrasonography allows to determine parameters related to the blood perfusion of structures by contrast agents (eg, microbubbles), thus defining high and low intensity patterns of vascular architecture. ARFI elastography provides assessment of tissue stiffness both qualitatively, using elastograms, and quantitative, using shear speeds. It is hoped that this review can contribute with relevant information to readers and veterinarians in the area of asound and animal reproduction.(AU)

Is there something new regarding triceps brachii muscle insertion?

Purpose: Previous studies have questioned whether the triceps brachii muscle tendon (TBMT) has a double or single insertion on the ulna. Aiming to provide an answer, we describe the anatomy of the TBMT and review a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) series of the elbow. Methods: Forty-one elbows were dissected to assess the details of the triceps brachii insertion. Elbow plastination slices were analyzed to determine whether there was a space on the TBMT. Magnetic resonance imaging from the records of the authors were also obtained to demonstrate the appearance of the pre-tricipital space on MRI. Results: A virtual space on the medial aspect near the TBTM insertion site in the olecranon was consistently found on anatomic dissections. It was a distal pre-tricipital space. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the appearance of the pre-tricipital space on MRI, and its extension was measured longitudinally either in elbow flexion or extension. There was no statistically significant difference between the measurements of this space in the right and left elbows or between flexion and extension (p > 0.05). The coefficient of variation was 10% for all measurements. Conclusion: Knowledge of this structure may be essential to avoid incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary therapeutic interventions.(AU)

Spinal cord meningioma in a Boxer breed dog

Meningiomas are one of the most common primary tumors of the canine central nervous system. They usually grow within the cranial cavity but occasionally they are found in the spinal cord. A case of a Boxer breed with a spinal cord transitional meningioma is reported. Two years history presenting progressive neurological signs is described. The MRI examination revealed a focal, intradural extramedullary lesion within the right side of the spinal canal, compromising the C1and C2 vertebral segments. Cytoreductive surgery with a dorsolateral laminectomy approach was performed to decompressthe spinal cord and to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological studies diagnosed a grade I transitional meningioma. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis detected positive cells to vimentin (VIM), pan-cytokeratin (pCk),neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and doublecortin (DXC). Although apparently benign, positivity to pCK and DXC suggest a possible transition into a malignant tumor. Although variations in the behavior, histology and the immunoreactive profile of these tumors are reported, the latter constitutes a good indicator for the diagnosis of the patient.

Spinal cord meningioma in a Boxer breed dog

Meningiomas are one of the most common primary tumors of the canine central nervous system. They usually grow within the cranial cavity but occasionally they are found in the spinal cord. A case of a Boxer breed with a spinal cord transitional meningioma is reported. Two years history presenting progressive neurological signs is described. The MRI examination revealed a focal, intradural extramedullary lesion within the right side of the spinal canal, compromising the C1and C2 vertebral segments. Cytoreductive surgery with a dorsolateral laminectomy approach was performed to decompressthe spinal cord and to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological studies diagnosed a grade I transitional meningioma. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis detected positive cells to vimentin (VIM), pan-cytokeratin (pCk),neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and doublecortin (DXC). Although apparently benign, positivity to pCK and DXC suggest a possible transition into a malignant tumor. Although variations in the behavior, histology and the immunoreactive profile of these tumors are reported, the latter constitutes a good indicator for the diagnosis of the patient.(AU)

Mielografia em cães / Myelography in dogs

Doenças na medula espinhal causam dor, dificuldade ambulatorial e incontinência urinária, interferindo de forma significativa na qualidade de vida dos animais. A localização clínica das lesões neurológicas bem como a característica do curso das doenças, é de extrema importância na elaboração dos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais. Para se definir o diagnóstico e tratamento, são necessários exames complementares. Atualmente, destacam-se os exames de imagem avançados como tomografia computadorizada (TC) e a ressonância magnética (RM) como possibilidades complementares. Estes exames, entretanto, são pouco disponíveis no Brasil e em outros países em desenvolvimento, ou estão restritos aos grandes centros urbanos. Desta maneira, técnicas que exijam menor tecnologia e estão mais disponíveis, como mielografia, ainda têm papel fundamental no diagnóstico e planejamento cirúrgico de afecções medulares em locais nos quais a TC e RM são inacessíveis. Para a realização da mielografia, o paciente deve ser submetido à anestesia geral e a punção deve ser feita em condições estéreis em cisterna magna ou em região lombar. O fluir do liquor, caso o animal movimente a cauda ou membros, são indícios de que o bisel da agulha está no espaço subaracnóideo e o contraste deve ser administrado. Existem quatro tipos de padrão mielográfico (normal, extradural, intradural-extramedular e intramedular) e cada padrão pode estar relacionado a diferentes tipos de afecção. A administração do contraste no espaço subaracnóideo pode causar inúmeros efeitos adversos, sendo o mais estudado a ocorrência de convulsões após mielografia.

Spinal cord diseases can cause pain and urinary incontinence. All these clinical signs can interfere in a significant way in life quality of ill patients. The clinical localization of the neurological lesions as well as the characteristic of the diseases course are of extreme importance in the elaboration of the possible differential diagnoses. In order to define the diagnosis and treatment, additional tests are necessary. Advanced imaging exams such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stand out as complementary possibilities. These image modalities aren ́t easily accessible in Brazil and other developing countries and are restricted to big cities. Considering this, more traditional image techniques such as myelography are still useful in spinal cord diseases diagnosis and treatment in places where CT and or MRI are inaccessible. Myelography requires general anesthesia and the spinal tap area must be clipped and surgically prepared. The spinal tap can be done in subarachnoid lumbar space or cisterna magna. Liquor fluence, twitching the tail or limbs are signs that the needle is in the subarachnoid space and myelography contrast can be administrated. There are four myelography patterns: normal, extradural, intradural-extramedullary and intramedullary) and these patterners can occur in different diseases etiologies. Subdural contrast administration can cause many side effects, the most studied is myelography induced seizures.

Mielografia em cães / Myelography in dogs

Doenças na medula espinhal causam dor, dificuldade ambulatorial e incontinência urinária, interferindo de forma significativa na qualidade de vida dos animais. A localização clínica das lesões neurológicas bem como a característica do curso das doenças, é de extrema importância na elaboração dos possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais. Para se definir o diagnóstico e tratamento, são necessários exames complementares. Atualmente, destacam-se os exames de imagem avançados como tomografia computadorizada (TC) e a ressonância magnética (RM) como possibilidades complementares. Estes exames, entretanto, são pouco disponíveis no Brasil e em outros países em desenvolvimento, ou estão restritos aos grandes centros urbanos. Desta maneira, técnicas que exijam menor tecnologia e estão mais disponíveis, como mielografia, ainda têm papel fundamental no diagnóstico e planejamento cirúrgico de afecções medulares em locais nos quais a TC e RM são inacessíveis. Para a realização da mielografia, o paciente deve ser submetido à anestesia geral e a punção deve ser feita em condições estéreis em cisterna magna ou em região lombar. O fluir do liquor, caso o animal movimente a cauda ou membros, são indícios de que o bisel da agulha está no espaço subaracnóideo e o contraste deve ser administrado. Existem quatro tipos de padrão mielográfico (normal, extradural, intradural-extramedular e intramedular) e cada padrão pode estar relacionado a diferentes tipos de afecção. A administração do contraste no espaço subaracnóideo pode causar inúmeros efeitos adversos, sendo o mais estudado a ocorrência de convulsões após mielografia.(AU)

Spinal cord diseases can cause pain and urinary incontinence. All these clinical signs can interfere in a significant way in life quality of ill patients. The clinical localization of the neurological lesions as well as the characteristic of the diseases course are of extreme importance in the elaboration of the possible differential diagnoses. In order to define the diagnosis and treatment, additional tests are necessary. Advanced imaging exams such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stand out as complementary possibilities. These image modalities aren ́t easily accessible in Brazil and other developing countries and are restricted to big cities. Considering this, more traditional image techniques such as myelography are still useful in spinal cord diseases diagnosis and treatment in places where CT and or MRI are inaccessible. Myelography requires general anesthesia and the spinal tap area must be clipped and surgically prepared. The spinal tap can be done in subarachnoid lumbar space or cisterna magna. Liquor fluence, twitching the tail or limbs are signs that the needle is in the subarachnoid space and myelography contrast can be administrated. There are four myelography patterns: normal, extradural, intradural-extramedullary and intramedullary) and these patterners can occur in different diseases etiologies. Subdural contrast administration can cause many side effects, the most studied is myelography induced seizures.(AU)

Comparison of thermographic imaging and other diagnostic techniques in diagnosis of cattle with laminitis

Background: Lameness results in major economic losses on dairy farms. The proportion of lameness in cows are between 4-55%, the origin of 90% lameness are caused by foot diseases. Hoof abnormalities such as laminitis are major contributors to lameness. Aim of the study, compared with thermographic imaging (IRT) and radiographic, magnetic resonans (MR), computer tomography (CT), histopathological analysis on the diagnosis of laminitis.Materials, Methods & Results: Preliminary, the animals (20 Holstein-Fresian) were selected by lameness examination for evaluation of the for any obvious signs of disease. The animals were examined when rising and walking of the free stalls. Walking was very painful and clinical symptoms of general distress become present for laminitic group. The cows were scored on a 1 to 5 scale for their locomotion (1 = normal locomotion; 5 = severely lame). Thermographic examinations were performed the all animals after the routine clinical examination methods. The infrared images were taken from the dorsal view of all hoovesto monitor the temperature of coronary band. All images were scanned using a hand-held portable infrared camera (Wahl, Thermal Imager HSI3000 Series), which was calibrated to ambient temperature and absorptive conditions. Incentives radiological examinations, dorso-palmar and latero-medial shooting was done for using of (Regius Model 110 Konica, Minolta) 70 kV and 30 mAs for each claws. MRI images of all isolated digits were performed at the Department of Radiology, by using Siemens Symphony Erlangen, Germany. Continuous series of transversal, sagital and dorsoplantar scan were obtained from all digit. Computer tomography (CT), isolated digits were performed at the Imaging Department of Radiology, by using Siemens Symphony Erlangen, Germany.[...]

Comparison of thermographic imaging and other diagnostic techniques in diagnosis of cattle with laminitis

Background: Lameness results in major economic losses on dairy farms. The proportion of lameness in cows are between 4-55%, the origin of 90% lameness are caused by foot diseases. Hoof abnormalities such as laminitis are major contributors to lameness. Aim of the study, compared with thermographic imaging (IRT) and radiographic, magnetic resonans (MR), computer tomography (CT), histopathological analysis on the diagnosis of laminitis.Materials, Methods & Results: Preliminary, the animals (20 Holstein-Fresian) were selected by lameness examination for evaluation of the for any obvious signs of disease. The animals were examined when rising and walking of the free stalls. Walking was very painful and clinical symptoms of general distress become present for laminitic group. The cows were scored on a 1 to 5 scale for their locomotion (1 = normal locomotion; 5 = severely lame). Thermographic examinations were performed the all animals after the routine clinical examination methods. The infrared images were taken from the dorsal view of all hoovesto monitor the temperature of coronary band. All images were scanned using a hand-held portable infrared camera (Wahl, Thermal Imager HSI3000 Series), which was calibrated to ambient temperature and absorptive conditions. Incentives radiological examinations, dorso-palmar and latero-medial shooting was done for using of (Regius Model 110 Konica, Minolta) 70 kV and 30 mAs for each claws. MRI images of all isolated digits were performed at the Department of Radiology, by using Siemens Symphony Erlangen, Germany. Continuous series of transversal, sagital and dorsoplantar scan were obtained from all digit. Computer tomography (CT), isolated digits were performed at the Imaging Department of Radiology, by using Siemens Symphony Erlangen, Germany.[...](AU)

Diagnóstico por imagen de la hernia discal Hansen tipo I, II y III en los perros / Imaging diagnostic of Hansen type I, II and III disc herniation in dogs / Diagnóstico por imagem de hérnia discal Hansen tipo I, II e III em cães

Para este estudio, se realizó una literatura sobre los métodos de diagnóstico de la hernia de disco, que es la enfermedad del disco más común en los perros y se relaciona con trastornos neurológicos que implican la médula espinal. La hernia de disco es la causa principal para la investigación por imagen de la columna vertebral en los animales pequeños. El diagnóstico por imagen es esencial para la comprensión de la enfermedad, la localización de la lesión y la gravedad. Las pruebas más comunes que se realizan en la medicina veterinaria son la radiografía y la mielografía, debido a que son más asequibles, pero el diagnóstico exacto es a través de la tomografía computarizada o resonancia magnética, siendo esta última la principal técnica de discopatías. Estos factores, así como su etiología, fisiopatología y la predisposición también serán abordados en este trabajo.(AU)

For the present study was reviewed bibliography about the diagnostic methods of disc herniation, which it is the discopathy most common in dogs and it is related to neurological disorders involving the spinal cord. Disc herniation is the main cause for the imaging investigation of the spine in small animal. Diagnostic imaging is fundamental to have knowledge of the disease, the location and severity of the lesion. The most common examinations performed in veterinary medicine are radiography and myelography, because they are more accessible, but an accurate diagnosis is made through computed tomography or magnetic resonance, being the latter the primary technique to the discopathy. These factors, as well as the etiology and pathophysiology will be approached also in this study.(AU)

Para o presente trabalho, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico abordando os métodos diagnósticos da hérnia discal, a qual é a discopatia mais comum em cães e está relacionada aos distúrbios neurológicos que envolvem a medula espinhal. A hérnia discal é a principal causa para a investigação imagenológica da coluna vertebral em pequenos animais. O diagnóstico por imagem é fundamental para obter o conhecimento da doença, da localidade da lesão e da gravidade. Os exames mais comuns realizados na rotina veterinária são a radiografia e a mielografia, por serem mais acessíveis, porém o diagnóstico preciso se dá por meio da tomografia computadorizada ou da ressonância magnética, sendo esta última a técnica primordial para as discopatias. Esses fatores, bem como sua etiologia, fisiopatologia e predisposição serão abordados também neste estudo.(AU)

Diagnóstico por imagen de la hernia discal Hansen tipo I, II y III en los perros / Imaging diagnostic of Hansen type I, II and III disc herniation in dogs / Diagnóstico por imagem de hérnia discal Hansen tipo I, II e III em cães

Para este estudio, se realizó una literatura sobre los métodos de diagnóstico de la hernia de disco, que es la enfermedad del disco más común en los perros y se relaciona con trastornos neurológicos que implican la médula espinal. La hernia de disco es la causa principal para la investigación por imagen de la columna vertebral en los animales pequeños. El diagnóstico por imagen es esencial para la comprensión de la enfermedad, la localización de la lesión y la gravedad. Las pruebas más comunes que se realizan en la medicina veterinaria son la radiografía y la mielografía, debido a que son más asequibles, pero el diagnóstico exacto es a través de la tomografía computarizada o resonancia magnética, siendo esta última la principal técnica de discopatías. Estos factores, así como su etiología, fisiopatología y la predisposición también serán abordados en este trabajo.

For the present study was reviewed bibliography about the diagnostic methods of disc herniation, which it is the discopathy most common in dogs and it is related to neurological disorders involving the spinal cord. Disc herniation is the main cause for the imaging investigation of the spine in small animal. Diagnostic imaging is fundamental to have knowledge of the disease, the location and severity of the lesion. The most common examinations performed in veterinary medicine are radiography and myelography, because they are more accessible, but an accurate diagnosis is made through computed tomography or magnetic resonance, being the latter the primary technique to the discopathy. These factors, as well as the etiology and pathophysiology will be approached also in this study.

Para o presente trabalho, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico abordando os métodos diagnósticos da hérnia discal, a qual é a discopatia mais comum em cães e está relacionada aos distúrbios neurológicos que envolvem a medula espinhal. A hérnia discal é a principal causa para a investigação imagenológica da coluna vertebral em pequenos animais. O diagnóstico por imagem é fundamental para obter o conhecimento da doença, da localidade da lesão e da gravidade. Os exames mais comuns realizados na rotina veterinária são a radiografia e a mielografia, por serem mais acessíveis, porém o diagnóstico preciso se dá por meio da tomografia computadorizada ou da ressonância magnética, sendo esta última a técnica primordial para as discopatias. Esses fatores, bem como sua etiologia, fisiopatologia e predisposição serão abordados também neste estudo.

A retrospective study of quadrigeminal arachnoid cysts diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in 26 dogs / Estudo retrospectivo de cistos aracnoides da cisterna quadrigeminal diagnosticados pela ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada em 26 cães

Arachnoid cysts are accumulations of cerebrospinal fluid that occur within the arachnoid membrane due to the splitting or duplication of this structure. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the occurrence of this condition in 26 dogs, as well as to describe the findings of computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance image scans and to correlate these with the clinical signs. A prevalence of the condition was observed in males, predominantly in the small breeds Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu, with age raging from 2 months to 9 years. The mainly clinical signs observed in these dogs were seizures and cerebellar ataxia. The study concluded that in 17 dogs the quadrigeminal arachnoid cyst was regarded as an incidental finding, in 6 dogs this condition was regarded as the determinant cause of the clinical signs, and in 3 dogs some clinical signs were associated with arachnoid cyst, but they also presented clinical signs involving others sites of intracranial lesion. (AU)

Cistos aracnoide são acúmulos de líquido cefalorraquidiano que ocorre dentro da membrana aracnoide devido à divisão ou duplicação desta estrutura. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo é relatar a ocorrência dessa condição em 26 cães, assim como descrever os aspectos de imagem pela tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética e correlacionar com os sinais clínicos. No estudo observamos a prevalência em machos, em raças de pequeno porte, com predomínio de Pinscher miniatura e Shih Tzu, com idade variando de dois meses a nove anos. Os principais sinais neurológicos observados nestes animais foram crises epiléticas e ataxia cerebelar. Foi possível concluir que em 17 cães o cisto aracnoide quadrigeminal foi considerado um achado incidental, em seis cães essa condição foi considerada a causa determinante dos sinais clínicos, e em três cães alguns sinais estavam associados com o cisto aracnoide, porém esses animais apresentaram sinais clínicos relacionados a outros sítios de lesão intracraniana.

A retrospective study of quadrigeminal arachnoid cysts diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in 26 dogs / Estudo retrospectivo de cistos aracnoides da cisterna quadrigeminal diagnosticados pela ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada em 26 cães

Arachnoid cysts are accumulations of cerebrospinal fluid that occur within the arachnoid membrane due to the splitting or duplication of this structure. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the occurrence of this condition in 26 dogs, as well as to describe the findings of computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance image scans and to correlate these with the clinical signs. A prevalence of the condition was observed in males, predominantly in the small breeds Miniature Pinscher and Shih Tzu, with age raging from 2 months to 9 years. The mainly clinical signs observed in these dogs were seizures and cerebellar ataxia. The study concluded that in 17 dogs the quadrigeminal arachnoid cyst was regarded as an incidental finding, in 6 dogs this condition was regarded as the determinant cause of the clinical signs, and in 3 dogs some clinical signs were associated with arachnoid cyst, but they also presented clinical signs involving others sites of intracranial lesion. (AU)

Cistos aracnoide são acúmulos de líquido cefalorraquidiano que ocorre dentro da membrana aracnoide devido à divisão ou duplicação desta estrutura. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo é relatar a ocorrência dessa condição em 26 cães, assim como descrever os aspectos de imagem pela tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética e correlacionar com os sinais clínicos. No estudo observamos a prevalência em machos, em raças de pequeno porte, com predomínio de Pinscher miniatura e Shih Tzu, com idade variando de dois meses a nove anos. Os principais sinais neurológicos observados nestes animais foram crises epiléticas e ataxia cerebelar. Foi possível concluir que em 17 cães o cisto aracnoide quadrigeminal foi considerado um achado incidental, em seis cães essa condição foi considerada a causa determinante dos sinais clínicos, e em três cães alguns sinais estavam associados com o cisto aracnoide, porém esses animais apresentaram sinais clínicos relacionados a outros sítios de lesão intracraniana.

Age-related changes of the cerebral ventricles of healthy domestic cats / Alterações senis dos ventrículos cerebrais de gatos domésticos hígidos

This study aimed to determine age-related changes of the cerebral ventricles of healthy non-brachycephalic domestic cats by the acquisition of brain MRI images of 12 adult (1 to 6 years), 11 mature (7 to11 years) and 10 geriatric (12 years or more) cats. Our hypothesis is that the cerebral ventricular system of cats expands with increasing age. The possibility of the evidence of the olfactory bulb cavities and temporal horns of the lateral ventricles were evaluated in this study. Volumes of the olfactory bulb cavities, lateral ventricles (including the temporal horns), third ventricle, mesencephalic aqueduct and fourth ventricle were measured and corrected for the intracranial volume. Significant differences were found between the adult and mature groups in relation to the geriatric one for the variable related to the evidence of the temporal ventricular horns, which were most frequently visualized in geriatric cats. Percentage of the right lateral and third ventricles volume by intracranial volume were significantly higher in geriatric cats compared to the adults. The results of this study demonstrate that ventricular dilation tends to occur with advancing age in cats, as well as the increase in the frequency of the temporal ventricular horn evidence, as had been indicated in the hypothesis of the study.(AU)

O estudo objetivou a determinação das alterações senis dos ventrículos cerebrais de gatos domésticos hígidos não braquicefálicos pela aquisição de imagens encefálicas de 12 indivíduos adultos (1 a 6 anos), 11 maduros (7 a 11 anos) e 10 geriátricos (12 anos de idade ou mais) por ressonância magnética. Nossa hipótese é de que o sistema ventricular dos gatos se expande com o avanço da idade. A possibilidade de evidenciação das cavidades do bulbo olfatório e dos cornos temporais dos ventrículos laterais foi avaliada nesse estudo. Os volumes das cavidades do bulbo olfatório, ventrículos laterais (incluindo os cornos temporais), terceiro ventrículo, aqueduto mesencefálico e quarto ventrículo foram mensurados e corrigidos de acordo com o volume intracraniano. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os grupos dos adultos e maduros em relação aos geriátricos para a variável referente à evidenciação dos cornos temporais, que foram visualizados de forma mais frequente nos gatos geriátricos. A porcentagem do volume do ventrículo lateral direito e do terceiro ventrículo em relação ao volume intracraniano foi significativamente maior nos animais geriátricos em comparação aos adultos. Os resultados desse estudo demonstram que a dilatação ventricular tende a ocorrer com o avanço da idade nos gatos, assim como o aumento na frequência da evidenciação dos cornos temporais, como havia sido indicado na hipótese do estudo.(AU)

Age-related changes of the cerebral ventricles of healthy domestic cats / Alterações senis dos ventrículos cerebrais de gatos domésticos hígidos

This study aimed to determine age-related changes of the cerebral ventricles of healthy non-brachycephalic domestic cats by the acquisition of brain MRI images of 12 adult (1 to 6 years), 11 mature (7 to11 years) and 10 geriatric (12 years or more) cats. Our hypothesis is that the cerebral ventricular system of cats expands with increasing age. The possibility of the evidence of the olfactory bulb cavities and temporal horns of the lateral ventricles were evaluated in this study. Volumes of the olfactory bulb cavities, lateral ventricles (including the temporal horns), third ventricle, mesencephalic aqueduct and fourth ventricle were measured and corrected for the intracranial volume. Significant differences were found between the adult and mature groups in relation to the geriatric one for the variable related to the evidence of the temporal ventricular horns, which were most frequently visualized in geriatric cats. Percentage of the right lateral and third ventricles volume by intracranial volume were significantly higher in geriatric cats compared to the adults. The results of this study demonstrate that ventricular dilation tends to occur with advancing age in cats, as well as the increase in the frequency of the temporal ventricular horn evidence, as had been indicated in the hypothesis of the study.(AU)

O estudo objetivou a determinação das alterações senis dos ventrículos cerebrais de gatos domésticos hígidos não braquicefálicos pela aquisição de imagens encefálicas de 12 indivíduos adultos (1 a 6 anos), 11 maduros (7 a 11 anos) e 10 geriátricos (12 anos de idade ou mais) por ressonância magnética. Nossa hipótese é de que o sistema ventricular dos gatos se expande com o avanço da idade. A possibilidade de evidenciação das cavidades do bulbo olfatório e dos cornos temporais dos ventrículos laterais foi avaliada nesse estudo. Os volumes das cavidades do bulbo olfatório, ventrículos laterais (incluindo os cornos temporais), terceiro ventrículo, aqueduto mesencefálico e quarto ventrículo foram mensurados e corrigidos de acordo com o volume intracraniano. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os grupos dos adultos e maduros em relação aos geriátricos para a variável referente à evidenciação dos cornos temporais, que foram visualizados de forma mais frequente nos gatos geriátricos. A porcentagem do volume do ventrículo lateral direito e do terceiro ventrículo em relação ao volume intracraniano foi significativamente maior nos animais geriátricos em comparação aos adultos. Os resultados desse estudo demonstram que a dilatação ventricular tende a ocorrer com o avanço da idade nos gatos, assim como o aumento na frequência da evidenciação dos cornos temporais, como havia sido indicado na hipótese do estudo.(AU)

Ressonância magnética na avaliação de enxerto osteocondral autógeno na cartilagem articular de coelhos / Magnetic resonance in the evaluation of autogenous osteochondral graft in articular cartilage of rabbits

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar as características e a aplicabilidade do exame de ressonância magnética na avaliação de enxerto ostecondral autógeno, em formato íntegro ou macerado, associado ou não ao fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo 1 (IGF-1), utilizado no reparo de lesões induzidas na cartilagem articular de coelhos. Foram utilizados 9 coelhos da linhagem Nova Zelândia, em que as 18 articulações fêmoro-tíbio-patelares foram submetidas à enxertia osteocondral autógena no sulco troclear femoral. Estas foram divididas em quatro grupos, denominados como enxerto osteocondral íntegro + IGF-1 (n=5), enxerto osteocondral íntegro + solução fisiológica (n=4), enxerto osteocondral macerado + IGF-1 (n=5) e enxerto osteocondral macerado + solução fisiológica (n=4). Os animais foram eutanasiados em 12 semanas após a cirurgia e as articulações foram submetidas ao exame de ressonância magnética utilizando um aparelho scanner de 1,5 Tesla de alto campo magnético. Além disso, amostras dos locais de enxertia foram submetidas aos exames anatomopatológicos. O exame de ressonância magnética mostrou-se eficaz como um método não invasivo para avaliação do tecido de reparação em enxertos osteocondrais na cartilagem articular do fêmur de coelhos, fornecendo dados complementares aos exames macroscópicos e histológicos. Por meio destas imagens e dos exames anatomopatológicos, foram observados resultados satisfatórios em relação ao processo de reparação dos enxertos osteocondrais autógenos na cartilagem de coelhos, independentemente de seu formato ou da adição de IGF-1.(AU)

This study aimed to determine the characteristics and applicability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of autogenous osteochondral graft in intact or macerated format, with or without insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) used in repair of cartilage lesions induced in rabbits. Nine New Zealand rabbits were used, in which 18 stifle joints underwent grafting procedure in the femoral trochlear groove. These were divided into four groups, referred as intact osteochondral graft + IGF-1 (n=5), intact osteochondral graft + saline solution (n=4), macerated osteochondral graft + IGF-1 (n=5) and macerated osteochondral graft + saline solution (n=4). Animals were euthanized 12 weeks after surgery and the joints were subjected to MRI using a high magnetic field scanner of 1.5 Tesla. In addition, samples of grafting sites were subjected to anatomopathological examination. The MRI was effective as a noninvasive method to evaluate the repair tissue in osteochondral grafts in articular cartilage of the femur of rabbits by providing complementary data to macroscopic and histological examinations. Through these images and anatomopathological examinations satisfactory results were observed in relation to the repair process of autogenous osteochondral grafts in cartilage of rabbits, regardless of its format or the addition of IGF-1.(AU)

Does a small size needle puncture cause intervertebral disc changes?

Small size needles have been regularly used for intradiscal injection of innocuous/potential therapeutic compounds in experimental conditions, but also in clinic procedures, such as discography. Our aim was to investigate if a 30-gauge needle could trigger observable changes on intact intervertebral discs. We compared these effects to those induced by a large size needle (21-gauge), a well-known intervertebral disc degenerative model based on needle puncture. Coccygeal intervertebral discs (Co8-9) of adult male Wistar rats were punctured with a 21-gauge needle, while the coccygeal levels Co7-8 and Co9-10 remained intact. The 30-gauge needle was used to inject a safe volume of saline (2 µl) on both intact (Co9-10) and punctured (Co8-9) discs. MRI and histological score were performed at 2, 15 and 42 days after procedure. MRI analyses revealed significant reduction on signal intensity of 21-gauge punctured discs. Intact discs which received a saline injection through a 30-gauge needle also revealed significant alterations in the MRI signal when compared with control discs. No histological changes were observed in the intact saline injected discs at any time analyzed. Since significant intervertebral image changes were observed with a 30-gauge needle, cautious interpretation of the pharmacological inoculation findings is required.(AU)

The role of B-mode ultrasonography in the musculoskeletal anatomical evaluation of the cervical region of the dog spine / O papel da ultrassonografia modo B na avaliação anatômica musculoesquelética do segmento cervical da coluna vertebral de cães

This study characterized the normal musculoskeletal anatomy of the cervical segment of the spine of dogs by means of B-mode ultrasonography. The objective was to establish the role of B-mode ultrasonography for the anatomical evaluation of the cervical spine segment in dogs, by comparing the ultrasonographic findings with images by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound examination, in transverse and median sagittal sections, allowed to identify a part of the epaxial cervical musculature, the bone surface of the cervical vertebrae and parts of the spinal cord through restricted areas with natural acoustic windows, such as between the atlanto-occipital joint, axis and atlas, and axis and the third cervical vertebra. The images, on transverse and sagittal planes, by low-field magnetic resonance imaging, were superior for the anatomical identification of the structures, due to higher contrast between the different tissues in this modality. Computed tomography showed superiority for bone detailing when compared with ultrasonography. As for magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to the muscles and cervical vertebrae, it is possible to identify the cerebrospinal fluid and differentiate between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs. Although not the scope of this study, with knowledge of the ultrasonographic anatomy of this region, it is believed that some lesions can be identified, yet in a limited manner, when compared with the information obtained mainly with magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound examination presented lower morphology diagnostic value compared with the other modalities.(AU)

Este estudo caracterizou a anatomia musculoesquelética normal do segmento cervical da coluna vertebral de cães por meio da ultrassonografia modo B. O objetivo do trabalho foi estabelecer o papel da ultrassonografia modo B na avaliação anatômica do segmento cervical de cães, comparando os achados ultrassonográficos com imagens por tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. O exame ultrassonográfico, em cortes transversais e sagitais mediano, permitiu a identificação de parte da musculatura epaxial do pescoço, superfície óssea das vértebras cervicais e medula espinhal em áreas restritas com janelas acústicas naturais, como entre a articulação atlantoccipital, áxis e atlas, e áxis e terceira vértebra cervical. As imagens, em planos transversais e sagitais, por ressonância magnética de baixo campo foram superiores na identificação anatômica das estruturas, devido ao maior contraste entre os diferentes tecidos nessa modalidade. A tomografia computadorizada se mostrou superior no detalhamento ósseo da região quando comparada ao exame ultrassonográfico. Já a ressonância magnética, além dos músculos e vértebras cervicais, permitiu a identificação do líquido cefalorraquidiano, e diferenciar núcleo pulposo e anel fibroso dos discos intervertebrais. Embora não seja objetivo direto deste estudo, com o conhecimento da anatomia ultrassonográfica dessa região, acredita-se que algumas lesões possam ser identificadas, contudo de maneira restrita, quando comparadas as informações obtidas, principalmente na imagem por ressonância magnética. O exame ultrassonográfico apresentou valor morfológico inferior.(AU)