The role of head computed tomography in equine practice

Abstract

Summary This retrospective study describes the computed tomography (CT) findings in 59 horses presented with diseases of the head over 8 years that underwent CT examination of this region, including dental or sinonasal diseases (Group A) (n = 42), osseous and/or articular diseases (Group B) (n = 11) and soft tissue diseases (Group C) (n = 6). For Group A, radiographic and CT findings comparison was possible. Computed tomography had higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96.7%) than radiography in diagnosing dental disease. Compared to CT, radiographic identification of sinus involvement was less sensitive, particularly for ventral conchal and sphenopalatine sinuses and presented an overall sensitivity of 43.5 and 16.7%, respectively. In Group B CT allowed identification of a higher number of bone fragments and fractures in the maxillary, lacrimal, sphenoidal, temporal and zygomatic bones not identified radiographically. Accurate identification of CT changes in the temporomandibular joint and temporohyoid articulation was also possible. Group C included both intra‐ and extra‐cranial disease, retrobulbar masses being the most representative pathology (n = 3). In this group, CT was considered the gold standard for detection of periorbital diseases. We conclude that CT is an imaging technique with high diagnostic value for evaluating the equine head, yielding additional information over multiple radiographic views, which may alter the outcome of the case. Additionally, this paper reports several conditions not previously described using CT.

Best way to assess the sphenopalatine sinus

“…Only Manso‐Díaz et al . () compared radiography with CT for all types of SP sinus disease. One further article by Tucker et al .…”

“…Manso‐Díaz et al . () discussed the role of equine head CT. A total of three of 18 horses (17%) diagnosed with SP sinus disease on CT also had a positive radiographic diagnosis.…”

“…OnlyManso-D ıaz et al (2015) compared radiography with CT for all types of SP sinus disease. One further article byTucker et al (2016) included all cases of SP sinus disease, but only CT was performed on clinical cases.…”

“…One further article byTucker et al (2016) included all cases of SP sinus disease, but only CT was performed on clinical cases. The remaining papers only addressed radiography, or compared radiography with CT for one particular SP sinus pathology Manso-D ıaz et al (2015). discussed the role of equine head CT. A total of three of 18 horses (17%) diagnosed with SP sinus disease on CT also had a positive radiographic diagnosis.…”

Standing CT of the equine head: Reducing radiation dose maintains image quality

“…Radiographs of the equine skull can be difficult to interpret, despite optimal positioning, due to the anatomic complexity and superimposition of osseous, dental, and soft tissue structures . Computed tomographic examination of the equine head, particularly in cases of dental and paranasal sinus disease, yields additional clinically useful information compared to multiple radiographic projections . Computed tomography eliminates the inherent problem of superimposition of structures in conventional radiography of the head .…”