Use of cone-beam computed tomography for advanced imaging of the equine patient.
Authors: Stewart Holly L, Siewerdsen Jeffery H, Nelson Brad B, Kawcak Christopher E
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Cone-Beam CT for Equine Imaging Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents a significant evolution in equine diagnostic imaging, offering advantages over traditional fan-beam CT through its pyramidal radiation geometry, which allows complete volumetric data acquisition in a single gantry rotation. Stewart and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of CBCT technology's physical principles and practical applications in horses, highlighting that these systems eliminate the need for specialised imaging tables and, in some configurations, can operate portably for use in standing or anaesthetised patients. Whilst CBCT's rapid acquisition and three-dimensional beam geometry offer considerable clinical flexibility, the review identifies important technical trade-offs: artefact prominence and the unique cone-beam artefact itself reduce contrast resolution compared to conventional CT, potentially limiting diagnostic clarity in soft-tissue evaluation. The practical significance for equine practitioners lies in CBCT's accessibility and adaptability—particularly for field or clinic-based imaging of musculoskeletal anatomy—though users must understand these imaging quality limitations when interpreting results. The authors emphasise that despite growing commercial availability of equine CBCT systems, substantial research gaps remain regarding optimal protocols and clinical applications, suggesting that practitioners should remain cautious about this technology's diagnostic reliability until evidence-based guidelines are established.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •CBCT offers practical advantages over traditional CT for equine practice—no specialized table needed and some units are portable, making imaging more accessible for standing horses or field use
- •Be aware that CBCT images may have reduced contrast resolution and more prominent artifacts compared to traditional CT, which could affect diagnostic confidence for subtle soft tissue lesions
- •As CBCT technology for horses is still relatively new with limited published research, work with experienced operators and establish baseline understanding of this modality's specific strengths (bony detail, speed) and weaknesses (soft tissue contrast) for your clinical applications
Key Findings
- •CBCT scanners use cone-shaped rather than fan-shaped X-ray beams, allowing diagnostic image acquisition after a single gantry rotation
- •CBCT systems do not require specialized imaging tables and are portable for use in standing or anesthetized patients
- •CBCT images have decreased contrast resolution due to increased artifacts including the unique cone-beam artifact from rapid data acquisition and divergent X-ray beams
- •Limited scientific literature currently exists on CBCT capabilities for equine imaging despite increasing commercial availability of equine CBCT scanners