CONTRAST RHINOGRAPHY IN THE RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF DISEASES AFFECTING THE NASAL CAVITY, NASOPHARYNX, AND PARANASAL SINUSES IN THE DOG

Positive-contrast rhinography is a simple noninvasive procedure that can be used for radiographic evaluation of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses in the dog. After assuring the safety of the procedure, it was employed for evaluation of six dogs with nasal and paranasal disease. Contrast rhinography contributed to the identification and assessment of the disease and aided in the diagnosis in dogs where survey radiography was not helpful. This paper proposes the use of positive-contrast rhinography for radiographic evaluation of diseases affecting the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses in the dog.     

EQUINE PARANASAL SINUSOGRAPHY

Contrast paranasal sinusography was a simple procedure that enhanced evaluation of the paranasal sinuses in the standing horse. Two techniques of positive-contrast paranasal sinusography were developed using cadavers and sedated horses. For both techniques, 37% organically bound iodine was used. For the first technique, the conchofrontal sinus was injected with 30 ml of contrast medium followed by an additional 100 ml and 70 ml. For the second technique, the rostral maxillary sinus was injected with 20 ml followed by an additional 50 ml. Each technique enhanced visualization of different paranasal sinuses, and each was necessary for complete positive-contrast radiographic evaluation of the paranasal sinuses. The techniques of positive-contrast radiographic evaluation of the paranasal sinuses are described.     

RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF GASTRIC EMPTYING IN SUCKLING CAMELS

A suspension of barium sulfate in camel milk was used as a contrast medium to assess gastric anatomy and emptying in camels. Two doses were evaluated: 10 ml/Kg and 20 ml/Kg. The lower dose was found to be inadequate for stomach opacification. The higher dose results in sufficient distention and opacification. Contrast medium was administered by placing the solution into the mouth of the camel. The reticular groove reflex was not observed. Water sacs were filled immediately after barium administration and interval emptying and filling of these sacs occurred until the initiation of abomasal emptying. The abomasum did not begin to empty until approximately 5 hours after administration of the contrast medium; abomasal emptying was not complete until approximately 24 hours after contrast medium administration.     

Radiographic and gross anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct of the horse

The anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct of the horse was studied grossly and radiographically, using barium contrast dacryocystorhinography and methyl methacrylate casts. Radiographic contrast studies were performed on 4 specimens and gross dissections were performed on 6 specimens. Dacryocystorhinography accurately delineated the course of the nasolacrimal duct, as was subsequently demonstrated by gross dissection. A 60% barium sulfate suspension produced good radiographic contrast, allowing critical assessment of the anatomic features of the nasolacrimal duct.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF SINONASAL DISORDERS IN HORSES

Diseases of paranasal sinuses and nasal passages in horses can be a diagnostic challenge because of the complex anatomy of the head and limitations of many diagnostic modalities. Our hypothesis was that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging would provide excellent anatomical detail and soft tissue resolution, and would be accurate in the diagnosis of diseases of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages in horses. Fourteen horses were imaged. Inclusion criteria were lesions located to the sinuses or nasal passages that underwent MR imaging and subsequent surgical intervention and/or histopathologic examination. A low field, 0.3 tesla open magnet was used. Sequences in the standard protocol were fast spin echo T2 sagittal and transverse, spin echo T1 transverse, short‐tau inversion recovery (STIR) dorsal, gradient echo 3D T1 MPR dorsal (plain and contrast enhanced), spin echo T1 fatsat (contrast enhanced). Mean scan time to complete the examination was 53 min (range 39–99 min). Lesions identified were primary or secondary sinusitis (six horses), paranasal sinus cyst (four horses), progressive ethmoid hematoma (two horses), and neoplasia (two horses). The most useful sequences were fast spin echo T2 transverse and sagittal, STIR dorsal and FE3D MPR (survey and contrast enhanced). Fluid accumulation, mucosal thickening, presence of encapsulated contents, bone deformation, and thickening were common findings observed in MR imaging. In selected horses, magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool in diagnosing lesions of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL FELINE NASAL CAVITY AND PARANASAL SINUSES

Computed tomography (CT) images of the feline nasal cavity and paranasal were acquiredfrom noraml adult cats. Good resolutin and amatomic detail were obtained from the CT images using soft tissue formatting. A desciption of normal feline nasal cavity and paranasal sinus anatomy using CT is presented.     

Blood Supply of the Nasal Cavity of the Normal Pig

The blood supply to the nasal cavity of 13 adult pigs was studied through plastic and latex injection casts, and gross dissection. Injection casts were prepared with 33% potassium hydroxide maceration. One head was injected with barium sulfate in gelatine for radiographic studies prior to gross dissection. The blood supply to the head is described in generous detail, and compared with that described by other investigators.     

Radiographic anatomy and barium sulfate contrast study of the gastrointestinal tract of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Gastrointestinal disorders are an important cause of morbidity in box turtles (Terrapene carolina Carolina), however published information is currently lacking on the normal radiographic anatomy, transit, and emptying times of the gastrointestinal tract. A total of 15 healthy box turtles were recruited for this prospective, anatomic, reference interval study. Three‐view radiographic series (vertical beam dorsoventral, horizontal beam latero‐lateral, and horizontal beam rostrocaudal views) were acquired prior to contrast administration, and following contrast administration at 0, 20, 40, 60, and 90 min, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h post administration, and every 24 h thereafter until all contrast was eliminated (15 mL/kg barium sulfate diluted to 30% weight per volume was administered via orogastric gavage). Vertical beam dorsoventral and horizontal beam latero‐lateral views were of excellent quality to identify gastrointestinal structures. The horizontal beam rostrocaudal view immediately postcontrast administration provided gastric and pyloric identification but had lesser diagnostic use at later time points due to anatomical superimposition. The gastrointestinal tract was composed of a tubular stomach, a pyloric sphincter near midline, a duodenum with a cranial flexure in the right cranial coelomic cavity, small intestines within the right coelom, a small cecal bulb, and a transverse and descending colon. Contrast media entered the large intestine by 24 h in all turtles, and a pyloro‐colic indentation was noted at the proximal descending colon. The large intestinal emptying was highly variable due to the interindividual variability of contrast sequestration within the cecal bulb. Findings from the current study serve as a reference on the gastrointestinal anatomy, transit, and emptying times in healthy eastern box turtles; and introduce a novel, horizontal beam, rostrocaudal view for gastrointestinal contrast studies in chelonians.     

Surgical anatomy of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in Egyptian native sheep (Ovis aries) using computed tomography and cross sectioning

The present work aimed to describe the normal computed tomography (CT) and cross‐sectional anatomy of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in sheep and to correlate these features with the relevant clinical practices. Twenty apparent healthy heads of Egyptian native breed of sheep (Baladi sheep) of both sexes were used for studying these sinuses. CT images and their closely identical cross sections of the same head were selected and serially labelled in a progression from the rostral nasal region to the caudal aspect of the head using cheek teeth as landmarks. The current investigation reported seven sinuses in sheep, including maxillary, frontal, lacrimal and sphenoidal as paranasal, as well as dorsal and middle conchal and ethmoidal as nasal with unnoticeable palatine and ventral nasal conchal sinuses. The boundaries, extension, structure and communications of these sinuses were fully described. The current study provided anatomical guidelines for surgical interference in the frontal and maxillary sinuses during trephination, dehorning and sinuscopy. Also, an acceptable anatomical explanation was reported in this study for the high incidence of maxillary sinusitis than other sinuses. CT and cross‐sectional anatomy could be used as helpful database for diagnosis and clinical interference of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in sheep.     

CT and cross-sectional anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the Holstein cow

The structure of paranasal sinuses in cattle is difficult to understand due to its complexity, age-related changes, and insufficient published data. In this prospective, anatomic study, we described the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the Holstein cow using computed tomography (CT) and cross-sectional anatomic slices. Twelve healthy adult Holstein cow heads were used for this study. The heads were scanned using CT, and frozen anatomical sections were taken. The locations, borders, and relationships of the paranasal sinuses were defined on the anatomical sections and CT images. The paranasal sinuses on each side of the head consisted of conchal (dorsal, middle, and ventral), maxillary, lacrimal, palatine, frontal, sphenoid sinuses, and ethmoidal cells. The frontal sinus pneumatized all bones surrounding the cranial cavity, except for the ethmoidal and body of basisphenoid bones. The sphenoid and ventral conchal sinuses were the most asymmetrical, and the middle conchal sinus was the simplest. The ventral conchal sinus was detected in eleven animals, one of which was unilateral. This sinus communicated with the middle nasal meatus (13/21) and ventral nasal meatus (8/21). Findings can be used as background for interpreting CT studies of cattle with clinical signs of sinonasal region diseases. Future cross-sectional radiological and reconstructive anatomical studies and investigation of the postnatal development of related structures in cattle are needed.     

Primary neoplasms of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx in the dog. A report of 16 cases from the files of the AFIP

Sixteen cases of primary neoplasms of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx in the dog were reviewed from the files of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP). The mean age of affected dogs was 9.5 years. The presenting clinical signs were epistaxis, nasal discharge or facial swelling. Eleven of the affected dogs were purebred. Three of these were Collies and two German Shepherds. The nasal cavity was involved most often. All neoplasms were malignant (11 carcinomas and five sarcomas), and there was invasion of the adjacent bony structures in most dogs. Tumors were classified according to prominent cell type and degree of differentiation into respiratory epithelial carcinoma (four), adenocarcinoma (one), squamous cell carcinoma (one), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (two), undifferentiated carcinoma (three), chondrosarcoma (three) and undifferentiated sarcoma (two).     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF THE EQUINE HEAD

The head from three horses euthanized due to diseases unrelated to the head and neck was imaged using computed tomography (CT). Gross cross-sectional slices of equine head #1 and skeleton of equine head #2 were compared with the CT images of the three equine heads to identify normal structures of the cranium, brain, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and teeth. Labeled transverse CT images of the equine head are presented sequentially as a reference for normal anatomy.     

Radiographic techniques of the nasal cavity and sinuses

Diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses can be frustrating problems for owners and veterinarians alike. Initial physical examination and routine blood work are often unrewarding in directing the clinician at a diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging can help characterize the disease process and direct treatment or further diagnostics. Radiographs of the skull are an excellent first-line diagnostic step in the analysis of nasal disease. The following article reviews basic techniques, positioning, and interpretation of radiographs of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.     

Rhesus lymphocryptovirus type 1-associated B-cell nasal lymphoma in SIV-infected rhesus macaques

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a worldwide endemic gamma herpesvirus of the genus Lymphocryptovirus (LCV) that infects more than 90% of the world's population. EBV has been associated with a variety of malignancies, but it has a demonstrated role in lymphomas, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. Lymphomas of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx are uncommon and constitute less than 5% of all extranodal lymphomas. Sinonasal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas have been reported in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at an increased frequency. Rhesus LCV (rhLCV), the rhesus viral homolog of EBV, has been cloned and is associated with B-cell lymphomas in immunosuppressed rhesus macaques. We report two cases of B-cell lymphoma within the nasal cavity from 2 simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The B-cell phenotype and rhLCV association were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. The majority of the nuclei of the neoplastic B lymphocytes were EBNA-2 positive. RhLCV type 1 sequences were verified from the neoplasms by polymerase chain reaction. Nasal lymphoma is an unusual presentation of rhLCV-associated B-cell lymphoma in immunosuppressed rhesus macaques. These tumors demonstrate comparable viral pathogenesis with EBV-induced nasal lymphomas in HIV-positive people.     

Surgery of the upper respiratory system.

Surgery of the respiratory tract often is considered a last resort. However, these surgeries can be performed successfully, allowing for preservation of genetics and productivity. This article discusses surgery of the upper respiratory system. Aspects of physical, radiographic, endoscopic, and ultrasonographic examination are explored. Conditions of the nares, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, palate, nasolacrimal duct, pharynx, and larynx are covered.     

RADIOGRAPHIC GASTROINTESTINAL ANATOMY OF THE FOAL*

The purposes of this study were to evaluate a technique for contrast gastrointestinal (GI) radiography and to define the normal radiographic anatomy of the foal GI tract as demonstrated by survey and contrast radiography. GI studies were performed in five normal foals. Right lateral standing, right and left lateral recumbent, and ventrodorsal (dorsal recumbent) radiographs were evaluated. The recumbent lateral and ventrodorsal positions were preferred, although the right lateral standing position demonstrated most structures. Radiographic positions that clearly identified a specific GI region were determined. The dosage of contrast medium used (5 ml/kg of a 30% wt/vol barium suspension) was adequate to outline the GI tract. Transit times allowed evaluation of the large colon within eight hours.     

Radiographic examination of the facial, nasal and paranasal sinus regions of the horse: I. Indications and procedures in 235 cases

The radiographic procedures used for examination of the facial area and paranasal sinuses of 235 horses are reported. Clinical indications for these examinations and the diagnoses made are reviewed. Unilateral nasal discharge was the commonest reason for radiography, accounting for about one third of cases, most of which had radiological signs of paranasal sinus disease recognisable on erect lateral films. Oblique projections were required to obtain further information about the maxillary dental arcades and ventro-dorsal views demonstrated sinus expansion and extension of disease into the nasal cavity. In 24 horses with bilateral nasal discharge, the origin was usually shown to be in the lower respiratory tract and radiographic abnormalities were found in only 20 per cent of cases. Facial swelling was a feature of 25 per cent of cases; the commonest causes were premolar periapical disease, best shown on oblique views with the patient recumbent, and suture periostitis, easily demonstrated on erect lateral films. Other causes of facial swelling, which required multiple radiographic projections for evaluation, were sinus cysts and tumours and peripheral soft tissue masses. Epistaxis for which no cause could be found in the lower respiratory tract was the indication for radiography in a further 10 per cent of cases. In almost half of these a radiopaque shadow representing an ethmoid haematoma could be seen on an erect lateral film. A sinus cyst and a tumour were also recorded but most other causes of epistaxis failed to produce radiographic signs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

RADIOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE STOMACH

To obtain radiographic information concerning the equine stomach, a gastrographic contrast examination is required. This study describes this procedure in detail. A powerful radiographic unit, the tubehead linked to an image intensifier and suspended by an electromechanical overhead gantry system, is required. To obtain accurately positioned radiographs during the fluoroscopic examination, a cassette holder with a stationary grid is mounted at the entrance window of the image intensifier. The examination is performed in the unsedated standing horse after 24 hours of starvation, using a combination of survey radiography and fluoroscopic viewing after the inflation of air, followed by the administration of barium sulphate suspension by stomach tube. The gastrographic contrast examination is performed in three experimental animals and 23 abnormal horses. Pneumogastrophy appeared to be valuable to diagnose gastric tumors, to differentiate between gastric tumors and other masses in the cranial abdomen, and to visualize gastric parasites, even in large horses. The use of barium sulphate suspension does not result in an adequate double contrast of the stomach, but it may aid to diagnose esophagogastric or pyloric stenosis and gastric or duodenal ulcers.