Computed tomography (CT) scan findings in calves with hydranencephaly

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Neuropathology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Hydranencephaly involves cerebral hemisphere loss replaced by cerebrospinal fluid sacs, often due to teratogenic viruses.
• Computed tomography (CT) and pathology aid in diagnosing this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize hydranencephaly in calves using CT imaging.
• To correlate CT findings with pathological observations.

Main Methods:

• CT scans were performed on seven Akabane virus-affected calves post-slaughter.
• Hounsfield unit (HU) values of brain regions were measured and compared to a normal calf.
• Gross pathology was examined for confirmation.

Main Results:

• CT revealed hypoattenuated cerebral hemispheres in affected calves, with significantly decreased mean HU values (P=0.0001).
• Brain stem HU values showed no significant difference between affected and normal calves (P=0.066).
• Pathology confirmed asymmetric fluid-filled sacs replacing cerebral hemispheres, with intact brain stems.

Conclusions:

• CT scanning demonstrates a strong correlation with pathological findings in calf hydranencephaly.
• This study represents the first CT-based investigation of hydranencephaly in calves.