Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head in equine patients is now commonly performed as CT scanners are more readily available. Head CT has proven valuable in evaluating spatially complex anatomic structures, where radiographic superimposition, or restricted access via endoscopy or ultrasound, limit complete evaluation of the disease process. Head CT has been demonstrated to be incredibly valuable in the evaluation of dental and paranasal sinus disease, disease of the hyoid apparatus and ear, and in evaluation of skull trauma. CT is an excellent modality for assessment of both osseous and soft tissue structures; however, evaluation of complex vascular anatomy and determination of tissue viability is limited without the use of contrast agents. Therefore, various contrast agent protocols including intravenous and intraarterial iodinated contrast administration techniques have been established. CT also has limitations in the evaluation of brain and spinal cord disease, for which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has major advantages. Head CT images are most commonly evaluated in transverse planes. However, standard multiplanar reconstructions of the head including dorsal and parasagittal planes improve the understanding of spatially complex disease processes. These reconstructions can be crucial for accurate identification of diseased teeth and determination of the extent and severity of osseous and paranasal sinus disease. Head CT examinations are becoming an increasingly important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of horses with head disorders, and CT imaging findings are an important aspect in the clinical decision-making process. The following review discusses the indications, benefits, and technical considerations for the use of computed tomography (CT) in evaluating non-neurologic head pathologies in equine patients.
Highlights
Diseases of the head of horses occur frequently and are often categorized by their origin
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the technical consideration and the computed tomography (CT) appearance of common non-neurological conditions of the equine head
CT images of the head are acquired and viewed in transverse planes; additional sagittal and dorsal reconstructions as well as oblique reconstructions in non-traditional planes can be helpful for evaluating the teeth, paranasal sinuses, hyoid apparatus and other structures in the horse
Summary
Diseases of the head of horses occur frequently and are often categorized by their origin. The first technique used to evaluate the head is often radiography or endoscopy. The most common reasons why equine head radiography is performed is to evaluate suspected dental or sinonasal disease or to evaluate injuries arising from a traumatic event [1]. Head radiographs provide good spatial resolution; due to the superimposition and similarity in attenuation of the anatomic structures, localization of lesions can be quite challenging [2] and subtle lesions can even go undetected. Head CT in Equines endoscopy do not provide sufficient information or when there is incomplete or no response to treatment, additional diagnostic imaging modalities are often considered. The equine head is an anatomically and spatially very complex structure, and crosssectional imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) are useful to eliminate superimposition of anatomic structures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the technical consideration and the CT appearance of common non-neurological conditions of the equine head
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