P. Przyborowska

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

Twenty European shorthair cats with neurological disorders, aged 1–3 years and with body weights of 2.6–4.05 kg, were studied in low-field and high-field magnetic resonance imaging systems. Aims of the study were to evaluate the dilation of lateral ventricles in the examined population of cats with the use of quantitative analysis methods and to identify any differences in the results of lowand high-field magnetic resonance imaging. The average brain height was determined to 27.3 mm, and the average volume of the brain was 10 699.7 mm3. Moderately enlarged ventricles were observed in 16 symptomatic cats. Moderate unilateral enlargement was observed in one cat. Mild ventricular asymmetry was described in four animals. The average difference in ventricular height between measurements obtained in lowand high-field magnetic resonance imaging was 0.37 ± 0.16% and for ventricular volume it was 0.62 ± 0.29%. The magnetic resonance imaging scan did not reveal statistically significant differences in brain height or volume between healthy and cats with ventriculomegaly. The differences in the results of lowand high-field magnetic resonance imaging were not statistically significant. Described findings could facilitate the interpretation of magnetic resonance images in cats with ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus.

Quantification of cerebral lateral ventricular volume in cats by low- and high-field MRI:

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate variations in lateral ventricles in the examined feline population with the use of quantitative analysis methods to determine whether sex or body weight influenced the size of the ventricles, and to identify any significant differences in the results of low- and high-field MRI. Methods Twenty healthy European Shorthair cats, aged 1–3 years, with body weights ranging from 2.85–4.35 kg, were studied. MRI of brain structures was performed in a low- and a high-field MRI system. The height of the brain and lateral ventricles at the level of the interthalamic adhesion, and volume of the lateral ventricles were determined in T2-weighted images in the transverse plane. The degree of symmetry of lateral ventricles was analysed based on the ratio of right to left ventricular volume. The measured parameters were processed statistically to determine whether sex and body weight were significantly correlated with variations in ventricular anatomy. The results of low- and high-field MRI were analysed to evaluate for any significant differences. Results The average brain height was determined to be 27.79 mm, and the average height of the left and right ventricles were 2.98 mm and 2.89 mm, respectively. The average ventricle/brain height ratio was 10.61%. The average volume of the left ventricle was 134.12 mm3 and the right ventricle was 130.49 mm3. Moderately enlarged ventricles were observed in two cats. Moderate ventricular asymmetry was described in four cats. Sex and body weight had no significant effect on the evaluated parameters. The differences in the results of low- and high-field MRI were not statistically significant. Conclusions and relevance This study has determined reference intervals for ventricular volume in a population of European Shorthair cats without brain disease, which will facilitate the interpretation of MRI images and the characterisation of brain abnormalities in cats with neurological disease. Further research involving larger animal populations, including other breeds, is required to compare the measured parameters between breeds and to determine reference values for other breeds.

Effectiveness of low-field magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing brachial plexus tumours in dogs – short communication

Abstract The aim of the study was to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences that contribute to a quick and reliable diagnosis of brachial plexus tumours in dogs. The tumours were successfully diagnosed in 6 dogs by the MRI with the use of SE, FSE, STIR, Turbo 3 D, 3D HYCE, and GE sequences and the gadolinium contrast agent