Bildgebende Verfahren der Halswirbelsäule des Pferdes –Literaturübersicht – Teil 2: Ultraschall, Myelografie, Computertomografie, Szintigrafie und MRT

Zusammenfassung

Die Indikationen für bildgebende Diagnostik an der Halswirbelsäule des Pferdes sind zahlreich, denn unterschiedliche neurologische und schmerzassoziierte Symptome bei Auffälligkeiten in der Bewegung können auf Pathologien in der Halsregion zurückgeführt werden. Die bildgebenden Verfahren nehmen in der Diagnostik der Erkrankungen der Halswirbelsäule eine zunehmend größere Rolle ein. Dabei wird vor allem die computertomografische Untersuchung auch in Kombination mit einer Myelografie häufiger eingesetzt. Eine Ultraschalluntersuchung dient zumeist der gezielten Injektionsbehandlung der Facettengelenke. Die nuklearmedizinische Untersuchung erfordert einige Erfahrung in Bezug auf die Interpretation der Aufnahmen der Halswirbelsäule und die MRT-Untersuchung ist derzeit nur sehr eingeschränkt in der Diagnostik einsetzbar. Die vorliegende Literaturübersicht liefert eine Zusammenfassung des derzeitigen Kenntnisstandes.

Abstract

Diagnostic imaging is an important part of the diagnostic approach in equine spinal ataxia especially with the cervical spine being commonly involved. The spinal cord may be affected by a variety of conditions including cervical vertebral malformations, osteoarthritis of the articular process joints or less commonly neoplasia. Advanced imaging techniques such as myelography are more accurate in diagnosing spinal cord compression and may be performed under general anesthesia in neutral, flexed and extended positions of the cervical spine. The use of ultrasound is non-invasive and allows ultrasound-guided injections in the area of the articular process joints and spinal nerve roots. Nuclear bone scan is widely used and is a highly sensitive, but not very specific modality. Scintigraphic changes in the equine cervical spine are influenced by age, breed and discipline and should be interpreted with caution. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine is the preferred imaging modality in companion animals, but its use is currently limited to ponies and foals due to the lack of availability of suitable equipment for larger horses. This review provides an overview of the literature on advanced diagnostic imaging for the equine cervical spine and the current state of knowledge regarding significant findings.

Schlüsselwörter

Spinale Ataxie - CT - Myelografie - MRT - Knochenszintigrafie - Ultraschall

Keywords

Spinal ataxia - equine - CT - myelography - MRI - bone scan - ultrasonography

Publication History

Received: 01 November 2024

Accepted: 21 January 2025

Article published online:
13 June 2025

• Zusatzmaterial

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