18F‐sodium fluoride positron emission tomography of the racing Thoroughbred fetlock: Validation and comparison with other imaging modalities in nine horses

• DOI: 10.1111/evj.13019
• Publication Date: 2018-09-16T12:53:53Z
• Authors: M. Spriet; P. Espinosa‐Mur; D. D. Cissell; K. L. Phillips; G. Arino‐Estrada; D. Beylin; P. Stepanov; S. A. Katzman; L. D. Galuppo; T. Garcia‐Nolen; B. Murphy; S. M. Stover
• Keywords: Fetlock; Positron emission

Summary Background Early and accurate detection of stress remodelling in racehorses is utmost importance to prevent catastrophic injuries. Current imaging techniques have limitations assessing early changes predisposing breakdowns. Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18 F‐sodium fluoride ( F‐NaF) a sensitive method for the bone turnover may improve recognition subtle Objectives To validate clinical use F‐NaF PET Thoroughbred racehorses, assess value lesions compare results with findings other advanced modalities, examination pathology. Study design Experimental exploratory study. Methods Twenty fetlocks from nine were imaged PET, computed (CT) scintigraphy. Five also magnetic resonance four examined histologically. Imaging independently reviewed by three board certified radiologists. Imaging, histopathological correlated. Results was well‐tolerated all horses. detected focal areas uptake instances where modalities did not identify abnormalities, particular proximal sesamoid bones. Maximal standardised values could be measured quantify activity lesions. Areas corresponded regions increased vascularity osteoblastic activity. Main Limited number cases. Conclusions fetlock feasible compares favourably detecting racehorses. appears beneficial modality when used an effort musculoskeletal injuries this population