Low-field magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of a calf with aqueductal stenosis caused by web: comparison with normal calves.

Abstract

A 6-day-old female Holstein displayed a dome-shaped skull and cardiac murmur on physical examination. Neurological abnormalities included progressive ataxia, decreased pupillary light reflex, and blindness soon after birth. On diagnostic imaging, CT identified expanded ventricles and thyroid hypoplasia on the left side. MRI detected expanded ventricles, especially in the rostral cerebrum at the mesencephalic aqueduct, compared with normal calves, so we suspected hydrocephalus causing stenosis of the mesencephalic aqueduct. Postmortem examination revealed a structure in the mesencephalic aqueduct resembling the "web" type of aqueductal stenosis described in humans. This case report indicates the utility of describing mesencephalic aqueductal stenosis by web and detection of other malformations on CT and MRI for antemortem diagnosis in calves.