Comparison of computed tomography and high-field (3.0 T) magnetic resonance imaging of age-related variances in selected equine maxillary cheek teeth and adjacent tissues.
Authors: Schoppe Christin, Hellige Maren, Rohn Karl, Ohnesorge Bernhard, Bienert-Zeit Astrid
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Computed tomography has long been the gold standard for detailed equine dental imaging, yet its utility for assessing pulpal and periodontal structures remains limited compared to high-field MRI, which produces superior soft-tissue contrast without the superimposition artefacts of conventional radiography. Schoppe and colleagues conducted a comparative imaging study using both 3.0 T MRI and CT to document how maxillary cheek teeth and their surrounding tissues change with age, recognising that understanding these normal developmental patterns is critical for differentiating pathology from physiological change—particularly important given the rising popularity of endodontic treatments in equine practice. The investigation revealed distinct age-related modifications in pulpal anatomy, periodontal ligament dimensions, and adjacent bone structure that were more clearly delineated on MRI, with the high-field protocol particularly effective at visualising soft-tissue detail that CT could not adequately resolve. These findings suggest MRI offers a valuable complementary diagnostic tool for horses undergoing endodontic assessment or those with suspected periodontal disease, enabling clinicians to characterise lesions with greater precision and confidence. For practitioners managing complex dental cases—whether planning therapy, evaluating treatment outcomes, or investigating oral pain of unclear origin—understanding the imaging capabilities of both modalities and the normal age-related anatomical spectrum will refine clinical decision-making and improve case selection for advanced imaging referral.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •When evaluating horses for endodontic therapy, MRI offers better visualization of soft tissue changes (pulp, periodontal ligament) that CT cannot adequately show
- •Understanding normal age-related dental changes is critical for accurate diagnosis—what appears abnormal in a young horse may be normal aging in an older one
- •Consider MRI as a complementary tool to CT for comprehensive dental assessment, particularly when soft tissue involvement is suspected
Key Findings
- •CT and MRI both effectively visualize age-related changes in equine maxillary cheek teeth without image superimposition
- •MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast for periodontal ligament and pulp chamber anatomy compared to CT
- •Both imaging modalities reveal progressive anatomical changes in cheek teeth and adjacent structures with advancing age
- •MRI shows particular value for evaluating endodontic therapy candidates by displaying gross pulpar anatomy and periodontal ligament changes