title: Evaluation of canine lumbosacral stenosis using intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography.
abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography as a technique for predicting the within-level location(s) of compressive soft tissues in the canine lumbosacral spine. Pre-operative intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the L5-S3 vertebral levels was performed in 12 consecutive large breed dogs with lumbosacral stenosis. The images were evaluated for enhancement of soft tissues by two radiologists who were unaware of the surgical findings. For each within-level location (dorsal canal, ventral canal, right lateral recess, left lateral recess) enhancement was classified as present, absent or equivocal. The results were compared with the results of surgical exploration and histopathology of excised tissues. The positive predictive values of intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography for compressive soft tissues involving the dorsal canal, ventral canal and lateral recesses were 83%, 100%, and 81% respectively. Negative predictive values for compressive soft tissues involving these locations were 29%, 50%, and 40% respectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg 24061-0442, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Shires
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Inzana
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Sponenberg
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Massicotte
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Renberg
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giroux
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media