Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How head position affects Chiari-like malformation scans in Cavalier
By Upchurch, J J et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2011·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Influence of head positioning on the assessment of Chiari-like malformation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformation (CM) had their head positions adjusted during MRI scans to see how it affected the assessment of their condition. The study found that while the overall brain volume measurements didn't change with head position, the amount of cerebellar herniation (part of the brain pushing down) and the space between the cerebellum and brainstem were larger when the dogs had their heads flexed. This suggests that head position can influence certain measurements in dogs with CM, which could be important for diagnosis and treatment planning.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chiari-like malformation symptoms · dog MRI head position effects · CM treatment for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Abstract
Chiari-like malformation (CM) is almost omnipresent in the Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS), often leading to syringomyelia (SM). Morphometric studies have produced variable results concerning relationship between the brain parenchyma within the caudal cranial fossa (CCF) and SM. The present study assesses the effect of head position, one potential confounder. Magnetic resonance images of CKCS with CM were reviewed in extended and flexed head positions. Volumes were calculated from transverse T2-weighted brain images. Mid-sagittal images were used for measurement of cerebellar herniation and CSF space between cerebellum and brainstem. Fourteen CKCS were included into the study, seven dogs with CM and seven with CM/SM. There was no difference between the relative brain parenchyma within the CCF in extended position and flexed position, or the brain parenchyma within the rostral and middle cranial fossae proportion. Cerebellar herniation and CSF space between cerebellum and brainstem were significantly increased in the flexed position. Cerebellar herniation and CSF space differed significantly between CM and CM/SM in a flexed head position. Volumetric measurements did not vary with head position. Cerebellar herniation and CSF space between the cerebellum and the brainstem were larger in a flexed head position.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21824898/