Anatomical Assessment of the Thorax in the Neonatal Foal Using Computed Tomography Angiography, Sectional Anatomy, and Gross Dissections.

Alberto Arencibia,María Luisa Díaz-Bertrana,Gregorio Ramírez,Lidia Pitti,Manuel Morales,Juan Alberto Corbera,José Raduan Jaber

doi:10.3390/ani10061045

Alberto Arencibia, María Luisa Díaz-Bertrana + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10061045

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to correlate the anatomic features of the normal thorax of neonatal foals identified by CTA, with anatomical sections and gross dissections. Contrast-enhanced transverse CTA images were obtained in three neonatal foals using a helical CT scanner. All sections were imaged with a bone, mediastinal, and lung windows setting. Moreover, cardiac volume-rendered reconstructed images were obtained. After CT imaging, the cadaver foals were sectioned and dissected to facilitate the interpretation of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures to the corresponding CTA images. Anatomic details of the thorax of neonatal foals were identified according to the characteristics of CT density of the different organic tissues and compared with the corresponding anatomical sections and gross dissections. The information obtained provided a valid anatomic pattern of the thorax of foals, and useful information for CTA studies of this region.

Highlights

CTA is a minimally invasive imaging technique used to assess the organs of the respiratory and cardiovascular system
The results of the thoracic CTA images are presented in seven sequential transverse CTA images of the thorax at different levels that best correlated with the macroscopic sections (Figures 1–7)
Transverse Computed tomography (CT) images are presented in a cranial to caudal progression from the level of the brachiocephalic trunk (Figure 1) to the level of the left ventricle and apex of the heart (Figure 7)

Summary

Introduction

CTA is a minimally invasive imaging technique used to assess the organs of the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Medicine has become the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of abnormalities, injuries, and thoracic disease [1,2]. CTA displays the anatomical detail of specific tissue densities and blood vessels more precisely compared with radiography, ultrasonography, and magnetic. CTA can be used to obtain high-quality two-dimensional images and three-dimensional cardiac reformatted images that delineate the morphologic features of the cardiovascular system without the superimposition of other structures [5,6]. Radiology has been the main imaging modality used to image the thorax of foals, but the superimposition of adjacent anatomical structures makes its interpretation difficult [7]

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