Use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography to assess angiogenesis in deep digital flexor tendonopathy in a horse.
We compared contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and high field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in a horse with deep digital flexor tendonopathy. Lesions in the distal extremity were documented grossly and histopathologically. In contrast-enhanced CT, the deep digital flexor tendon lesions were markedly contrast enhancing with evidence of angiogenesis in the core and dorsal border lesions. The lesion morphology was clearly delineated on MR imaging, but without contrast media angiogenesis cannot be identified. Gross examination, histopathologic examination, and CD31 immunohistochemistry confirmed the tendonopathy and an increased presence of small blood vessels. In this horse, deep digital flexor tendon lesions appeared similarly on contrast-enhanced CT and MR imaging. Contrast-enhanced CT may be an alternative to MR imaging for assessing tendon and ligament injury in the digit of the horse.
Puchalski
Sarah M
SM
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. smpuchalski@ucdavis.edu
Galuppo
Larry D
LD
Drew
Clifton P
CP
Wisner
Erik R
ER
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary*
D003287:Contrast Media