Computed tomographic imaging protocol for the canine cervical and lumbar spine

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Comparative Neurology

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) is utilized for diagnosing canine spinal diseases.
• Various technical imaging parameters exist for CT assessment of the canine spine.
• Optimization of CT protocols is needed for improved diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an optimized computed tomography (CT) imaging protocol for the canine cervical and lumbar spine.
• To identify key technical parameters that enhance visualization of spinal structures.
• To evaluate the impact of specific CT parameters on image quality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single-detector-row helical CT unit.
• Investigated the effects of slice thickness, pitch, reconstruction algorithm, tube current, helical reconstruction interval, and edge enhancement filters.
• Assessed the visibility of the intervertebral disk and spinal cord.

Main Results:

• Thin slice thickness (1-2mm), low pitch (helical pitch <2), and medium-frequency reconstruction algorithms significantly improved intervertebral disk and spinal cord visibility.
• Tube current, helical reconstruction interval, and edge enhancement filters showed no significant impact on visibility.
• Edge enhancement filters introduced artifacts, creating a double ring around the spinal canal lumen.

Conclusions:

• Optimized CT parameters, specifically thin slices and low pitch, enhance diagnostic imaging of the canine spine.
• Certain parameters like tube current and reconstruction interval do not significantly affect image quality for spinal assessment.
• The use of edge enhancement filters is not recommended due to artifact generation.