Comparison of standard T2-weighted turbo spin echo and volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination magnetic resonance imaging sequences in the assessment of articular process dysplasia in Pug dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy

Abstract

Abstract Background: Retrospective study to compare the classification, as normal, hypoplastic or aplastic, of thoracic (T10-T13) caudal articular process (CAP) morphology in Pug dogs with a thoracolumbar myelopathy as normal, hypoplastic or aplastic, between T2 weighted Turbo Spin Echo (T2W-TSE) and Volumetric Interpolated Breath-hold Examination (VIBE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences, in comparison to Computed Tomography (CT). We hypothesised a stronger agreement for VIBE in comparison to T2W-TSE. Results: Diagnostic accuracy of T2W-TSE was inferior to VIBE for aplastic (60%, 95% CI 0.561 – 0.639) versus 78%, 95%CI 0.744 - 0.815) hypoplastic (44%, 95%CI 0.427 – 0.452 versus 62.5%, 95%CI 0.595 - 0.655) and normal CAP (70%, 95%CI 0.655 – 0.744 versus 87% 95%CI 0.848- 0.892). Superior accuracy of classification using VIBE versus T2W-TSE sequences using the McNemar Chi squared test was significant for aplastic (p= 0.0002) and normal CAP (p=0.004). VIBE sequences had a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 75% and with T2W-TSE imaging sensitivity 81% and specificity of 75%. Conclusion: Three-dimensionally reconstructable VIBE sequences were significantly more accurate than traditional T2W-TSE MRI sequences in classifying CAP morphology, which should reduce the need for CT for pre-operative assessment.