The use of gadolinium-containing medium dilutions in evaluations of pathological changes in magnetic resonance images of the canine elbow

Yauheni Zhalniarovich,Zbigniew Adamiak,Paulina Przyborowska-Zhalniarovich,Joanna Głodek

doi:10.2754/avb201887030241

Yauheni Zhalniarovich, Zbigniew Adamiak + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.2754/avb201887030241

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the paramagnetic gadolinium-containing contrast agent, diluted 1:800, in evaluations of pathological changes in the canine elbow joint. The experiment was performed on 6 large breed dogs of both sexes with a body weight of 25 to 40 kg. Thoracic limb lameness and pain in the elbow joint area were observed in all patients. The animals were subjected to standard physical examinations, radiography and low-field magnetic resonance imaging scans with the use of a contrast agent. The Spin Echo T1 dorsal sequence as well as 3D SST1 transverse and XBONE T1 transverse sequences were highly effective in diagnosing osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial humeral condyle. Degenerative changes and the fragmented coronoid process (FCP) of the ulna were very well visualized by High Resolution Gradient Echo, XBONE T2 and Spin Echo T1 sequences in the sagittal plane. The administration of the gadolinium contrast agent, diluted 1:800, to the elbow joint cavity enhances the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance images in evaluations of medial compartment disease, in particular fragmentation of the medial coronoid process.

Highlights

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the paramagnetic gadoliniumcontaining contrast agent, diluted 1:800, in evaluations of pathological changes in the canine elbow joint
The results of the study indicate that the Spin Echo T1 sequence in the dorsal plane was highly useful for diagnosing osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial humeral condyle
Our findings suggest that High Resolution Gradient Echo, XBONE T2 and Spin Echo T1 sequences in the sagittal plane are very useful for diagnosing degenerative changes and fragmentation of the coronoid process of the ulna (Plate IV, Fig. 2a)

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the paramagnetic gadoliniumcontaining contrast agent, diluted 1:800, in evaluations of pathological changes in the canine elbow joint. The administration of the gadolinium contrast agent, diluted 1:800, to the elbow joint cavity enhances the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance images in evaluations of medial compartment disease, in particular fragmentation of the medial coronoid process. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive and highly sensitive tool for evaluating soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system (Miller 1999; Snaps et al 1999) This method is routinely used to diagnose pathological changes in the medial epicondyle in humans, and it is recommended when other techniques, such as radiography, ultrasonography and clinical examinations, fail to provide a clear diagnosis (Park et al 2008). The main aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic usefulness of the paramagnetic gadolinium-containing contrast medium, diluted 1:800 and administered to the elbow joint

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