Computed tomographic versus radiographic assessment of the visibility and features of subchondral cystic lesions in equine limbs

Abstract

Subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) are common in horses and often cause lameness and they are commonly diagnosed by radiography. This study compares radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) features of subchondral cystic lesions in horses. It was hypothesized, that CT has a superior diagnostic value for the assessment of the features of SCLs compared to radiography. Horses diagnosed with one or two SCLs in CT and a radiographic study of the affected bone were included. SCLs were evaluated on radiographs and CT for location, size, shape, homogeneity, continuity of the subchondral bone, peripheral sclerosis, presence of a fissure, osteoarthritis (OA) and periostitis. Vascular channels were only assessed with CT. Subsequently, radiographic findings were compared to CT. Forty-two SCLs in a total of 32 horses were included in the study. Radiographic visibility of SCLs diagnosed with CT was 79% (95% CI: 0.