Post-mortem Computed Tomographic Angiography in Equine Distal Forelimbs: A Feasibility Study.
Authors: Blaettler Chantal, Kaessmeyer Sabine, Grabherr Silke, Koch Christoph, Schweizer Daniela, Van der Vekens Elke
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Post-mortem CT Angiography in Equine Distal Forelimbs Understanding vascular pathology in the equine distal limb remains crucial for improving diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting performance and soundness, yet obtaining high-resolution three-dimensional imagery of these vessels has proven technically challenging. Researchers perfused five frozen-thawed cadaver forelimbs with lipophilic contrast agent via the median artery and radial vein, acquiring multi-detector CT scans across arterial, venous, and combined arterial-venous phases, evaluating vascular visualisation quality and artefact rates across 11 anatomical regions. The lipophilic protocol achieved excellent vascular visualisation in 93.1% of assessed regions with minimal artefact, with the combined arterial-venous phase producing subjectively superior image quality, whilst the hydrosoluble contrast alternative yielded notably poorer results (74.0% visualisation with higher artefact burden). Although filling defects improved in later perfusion phases, extravasation worsened over time in two limbs, suggesting careful timing optimisation remains necessary. This feasibility study establishes a viable post-mortem model for detailed vascular mapping of the distal forelimb that could enable farriers, veterinarians and physiotherapists to better understand microvascular anatomy in conditions ranging from navicular disease to solar pathology, potentially informing both diagnostic protocols and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •This cadaver-based imaging model could eventually improve understanding of vascular pathology in distal limb diseases like navicular syndrome and laminitis, potentially leading to better diagnostic and treatment strategies
- •The technique demonstrates that frozen-thawed limbs can be effectively reperfused for detailed vascular study, creating a valuable research model without requiring fresh specimens
- •Lipophilic contrast agents with arterial-venous combined imaging protocols should be prioritized if this technique is developed for clinical or research applications
Key Findings
- •Lipophilic contrast agent perfusion achieved 93.1% vasculature visualization in frozen-thawed distal forelimbs with low artifact rates
- •Arterial-venous combined (AVC) dynamic phase provided subjectively superior angiographic image quality compared to arterial or venous phases alone
- •Hydrosoluble contrast agent resulted in significantly lower vascular visualization (74.0%) and higher artifact rates than lipophilic contrast
- •Post-mortem CT angiography protocol is feasible for high-resolution 3D visualization of equine distal limb vasculature