Magnetic resonance imaging of normal nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in cats

Abstract

A detailed description of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in clinically normal cats using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. The heads of seven normal cats were imaged using a 1.5-T MR unit and two sequences spin echo (SE) T1-weighted and fast spin echo (FSE) T2-weighted. Eighteen relevant MR scans were taken in the transverse (12 scans) and dorsal (six scans) planes. Anatomical structures were identified and labelled using anatomical texts, sectioned specimen heads and previous studies. MR scans revealed the soft-tissue structure of the head. Identified relevant anatomical structures seen on MRI will assist clinicians to better understand MR images and evaluate pathological conditions that affect the nasal region. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.