Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal dromedary camel tarsus

Abstract Background The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in veterinary practice continues to grow. MRI is currently the most versatile and informative imaging modality for diagnosis of soft tissue injuries in many animal species; however, veterinary literature describing the MRI of the dromedary camel tarsus is lacking. Our purpose was to describe and compare the MRI images of twelve cadaveric tarsi, examined in 1.5 T MRI scanner, with their corresponding anatomical gross sections. Turbo spin-echo (TSE) T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted (T2), proton density-weighted (PD) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were obtained in 3 planes. Tarsi were sectioned into sagittal, dorsal and transverse planes. Relevant osseous and soft tissue structures on MRI images and corresponding cryosections were identified and labeled. Results The overall quality of MRI images was adequate and informative. The soft and osseous tissues of the dromedary camel tarsus corresponded well with the gross anatomic sections. The sagittal and dorsal images were the most valuable for evaluation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. T1 and PD sequences provided high anatomical details. T2 and STIR images were valuable for evaluation of synovial fluid. Articular cartilage had homogenous intermediate signal intensity. Subchondral and cortical bone had low signal intensity and cancellous bone had heterogeneous signal intensity. Tendons and ligaments had low signal intensity. Synovial fluid had high signal intensity on T2, PD and STIR sequences and intermediate signal intensity on T1 images. Conclusions MRI images provided a thorough evaluation of the normal dromedary camel tarsus. Information provided in the current study is anticipated to serve as a basis for interpretation in clinical situations.