Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Training Dogs for Awake, Unrestrained Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: October 13, 2019
Rapid brain MRI protocols result in comparable differential diagnoses versus a full brain protocol in most canine and
Kelsey A Johnson1, James Sutherland-Smith1, Trisha J Oura1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
Evaluation of brain disease in veterinary patients uses a wide variety of MRI sequences. A shortened protocol that maintains consistency of interpretation would reduce radiologist reporting time, patient anesthetic time, and client cost. The aims of this retrospective, methods comparison, observer agreement study were to evaluate whether abbreviated MRI protocols alter differential diagnoses and recommendations compared to our institution's standard protocol; evaluate interobserver agreement on standard brain MRIs; and assess whether differential diagnoses change after postcontrast images. Normal and pathologic canine and feline brain MRIs were retrieved from hospital archives. Three protocols were created from each: a 5-sequence noncontrast enhanced Fast Brain Protocol 1 (FBP1); a 6-sequence contrast-enhanced Fast Brain Protocol 2 (FBP2); and an 11-sequence standard brain protocol (SBP). Three blinded veterinary radiologists interpreted FBP images for 98 cases (1 reader/case) and SBP images for 20 cases (3 readers/case). A fourth observer compared these interpretations to the original MRI reports (OMR). Overall agreement between FBPs and OMR was good (k = 0.75) and comparable to interobserver agreement for multiple reviews of SBP cases. Postcontrast images substantially altered conclusions in 17/97 cases (17.5%), as well as improved interobserver agreement compared to noncontrast studies. The conclusions reached with shortened brain protocols were comparable to those of a full brain study. The findings supported the use of a 6-sequence brain MRI protocol (sagittal T2-weighted [T2w] TSE; transverse T2w turbo spin echo fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, T2*-weighted gradient recalled echo, T1-weighted spin echo, and diffusion weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient; and postcontrast transverse T1-weighted spin echo) for dogs and cats with suspected intracranial disease.
Insights
A shortened 6-sequence brain MRI protocol for veterinary patients provides diagnostic accuracy comparable to standard protocols. This abbreviated approach reduces costs and anesthetic time while maintaining interpretation consistency for brain disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Veterinary brain disease diagnosis relies on extensive MRI sequences.
- Shorter MRI protocols could decrease reporting time, anesthetic duration, and client expenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if abbreviated MRI protocols impact differential diagnoses and recommendations compared to standard protocols.
- To assess interobserver agreement on standard brain MRIs.
- To evaluate changes in differential diagnoses after postcontrast imaging.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective comparison of three MRI protocols: 5-sequence noncontrast (FBP1), 6-sequence contrast-enhanced (FBP2), and 11-sequence standard (SBP).
- Three blinded veterinary radiologists interpreted FBP images (98 cases) and SBP images (20 cases).
- A fourth observer compared interpretations to original MRI reports (OMR).
Main Results:
- Overall agreement between abbreviated protocols (FBPs) and OMR was good (k=0.75), comparable to interobserver agreement for SBP.
- Postcontrast imaging significantly altered conclusions in 17.5% of cases and improved interobserver agreement.
- Conclusions from abbreviated protocols were comparable to the full standard brain study.
Conclusions:
- Abbreviated MRI protocols, particularly a 6-sequence contrast-enhanced protocol, are effective for diagnosing intracranial disease in dogs and cats.
- This shortened protocol maintains diagnostic consistency, reduces patient and client burden.
- The validated 6-sequence protocol includes specific T2w, T2*-weighted, T1-weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences.
