High field (4.7 T) magnetic resonance imaging of feline hip joints

J Vet Med Sci. 2006 Mar;68(3):285-8. doi: 10.1292/jvms.68.285.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique widely used to investigate degenerative joint disease (DJD). In this study, we obtained magnetic resonance images of feline hip joints, using a high magnetic field MRI unit (4.7 tesla) with proton density (PD)-weighted and T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE). PD-weighted FSE provided detailed anatomical images of feline hip joints with superb depiction of subchondral bones of the femoral head and acetabulum. Articular cartilage (AC) was also visualized with PD-weighted and T2-weighted FSE; however, mild AC lesions noted on gross examination were not detectable with these sequences.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cartilage, Articular / anatomy & histology*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cats
  • Female
  • Hip Joint / anatomy & histology*
  • Histocytochemistry / veterinary
  • Joint Diseases / diagnosis
  • Joint Diseases / veterinary*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Male