The Role of Computed Tomography in Imaging Non-neurologic Disorders of the Head in Equine Patients.
Authors: Stieger-Vanegas Susanne M, Hanna Ashley L
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Computed tomography has become an increasingly accessible diagnostic tool for equine practitioners investigating head pathology, particularly where conventional radiography, endoscopy or ultrasonography cannot adequately visualise the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the skull and its contents. Stieger-Vanegas and Hanna's 2022 review synthesises current evidence and technical protocols for CT imaging of non-neurologic head disorders, examining how contrast-enhanced techniques, multiplanar reconstructions (transverse, dorsal and parasagittal planes), and soft tissue imaging capabilities have expanded diagnostic capability. CT has demonstrated particular value in evaluating dental disease, paranasal sinus pathology, hyoid apparatus disorders and skull trauma—conditions where osseous and soft tissue assessment is essential but anatomical overlap makes interpretation challenging on radiographs. Multiplanar reconstruction significantly improves clinical decision-making by clarifying disease extent and severity, particularly for detecting diseased teeth and determining sinus involvement. Whilst CT imaging cannot replace MRI for central nervous system evaluation, practitioners should recognise its superior spatial resolution for head structures, integrate contrast protocols where vascular anatomy assessment is needed, and incorporate CT findings into clinical reasoning for cases where conventional modalities have proven diagnostically insufficient.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •CT is now a standard diagnostic tool for equine head problems — consider it early for dental, sinus, and ear diseases where traditional imaging fails to provide complete information
- •Request multiplanar reconstructions (not just transverse images) from your imaging provider to fully understand spatial relationships and treatment planning
- •CT cannot reliably assess neurologic structures; use MRI if brain or spinal cord disease is suspected alongside head signs
Key Findings
- •CT imaging is valuable for evaluating spatially complex head structures where radiography and endoscopy have limitations due to superimposition and restricted access
- •CT is excellent for assessing both osseous and soft tissue structures in dental and paranasal sinus disease, hyoid apparatus, and ear pathology
- •Multiplanar reconstructions (dorsal and parasagittal planes) improve understanding of complex disease processes and are crucial for accurate identification of diseased teeth and extent of osseous disease
- •Contrast-enhanced CT protocols improve evaluation of vascular anatomy and tissue viability, while MRI remains superior for brain and spinal cord assessment