title: Cross-sectional anatomy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic region of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).
abstract: The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical description of the thoracic region features in normal common (Delphinus delphis) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and to compare anatomical cross-sections with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. CT and MRI were used to scan 7 very fresh by-caught dolphin cadavers: four common and three striped dolphins. Diagnostic images were obtained from dolphins in ventral recumbency, and after the examinations, six dolphins were frozen (-20°C) and sliced in the same position. As well as CT and MRI scans, cross-sections were obtained in the three body planes: transverse (slices of 1 cm thickness), sagittal (5 cm thickness) and dorsal (5 cm thickness). Relevant anatomical features of the thoracic region were identified and labelled on each section, obtaining a complete bi-dimensional atlas. Furthermore, we compared CT and MRI scans with anatomical cross-sections, and results provided a complete reference guide for the interpretation of imaging studies of common and striped dolphin's thoracic structures.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Alonso-Farré
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gonzalo-Orden
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Barreiro-Vázquez
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ajenjo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barreiro-Lois
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Llarena-Reino
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Degollada
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050696:Common Dolphins / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000662:veterinary; D012016:Reference Values; D050706:Stenella / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*