Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study of a normal tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris)

Abstract

Background In this research, using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we provide a thorough description of the standard appearance of a right tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris ). CT scans were performed using a bone and soft tissue window setting, and three-dimensional surface reconstructed CT images were obtained. The MRI protocol was based on the use of Spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted and Gradient-echo (GE) STIR T2-weighted pulse sequences. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were taken in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. We also performed anatomical dissections to facilitate the interpretation of the different structures of the tarsus joint and allow comparisons with CT and MRI images. Results The CT images allowed us to observe differences between the bones and soft tissues of the tarsal joint. When applying the bone window setting, the obtained footage showed the anatomy between the medulla and cortex. Additionally, the trabecular bone was delineated. By contrast, the soft tissue window allowed the main soft tissue structures of the tarsal joint, including ligaments, muscles and tendons, to be differentiated. Footage of the main anatomical structures of the standard tiger tarsus was obtained through MRI. The SE T1-weighted images showed the best evaluation of the cortical, subchondral and trabecular bone of the tibia, fibula, tarsus and metatarsus bones. Nonetheless, the GE STIR T2-weighted images allowed us to better visualize the articular cartilage and synovial fluid. In both MRI pulse sequences, the ligaments and tendons appeared with low signal intensity compared with muscles that were visible with intermediate signal intensity. Conclusions The results of this CT and MRI study of the Bengal tiger tarsal joint provide some valuable anatomical information and may be useful for diagnosing disorders in this large non-domestic cat.

3T Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the bovine carpus

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

“…In contrast, excellent discrimination of the main components of the encephalon , including the rhinencephalon , telencephalon , diencephalon , mesencephalon , metencephalon , and myelencephalon , was achieved with the T2W images. These images have proven to be useful for anatomical and clinical studies of various exotic species [ 3 , 12 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Therefore, the transverse T2W images revealed the olfactory bulb and its recess, which was hyperattenuated compared to the telencephalon .…”

Cross Sectional Anatomy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Juvenile Atlantic Puffin Head (Aves, Alcidae, Fratercula arctica)

“…To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first description of the head of this species using a high-field strength magnet. This technique has already provided essential information in the assessment of the anatomical knowledge of the head and associated structures in other wildlife species, such as reptiles [51,52], rodents [53,54], terrestrial mammals [55,56], as well as different avian species, including red kite (Milvus milvus), common buzzard (Buteo buteo), and common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) [33], domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) [41] or African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) [39], among others. In contrast to conventional imaging procedures, MRI can be used to obtain images via various anatomic planes without repositioning specimens [51,[57][58][59].…”