Magnetic resonance imaging of the equine head. An unusual case of squamous cell carcinoma

Aim
This work, using MRI images, provides a description of the normal anatomy of the equine head
and its pathological modifications in an unusual case of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal
and paranasal sinuses involving the brain.
Materials and methods
A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the left chonco-frontalis and chonco-maxillaris sinuses
was diagnosed in a stallion thoroughbred ten years old. Unfortunately, dimensions and characteristics
of the neoplasia discouraged surgery and imposed euthanasia. The skull was subsequently
imaged in transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes with a 1 Teslamagnet, using T1 and
T2 sequences. The structural and anatomical aspects of the neoplastic mass were examined
by comparison of MRI scan planes with corresponding sections obtained from healthy horses.
Results
The resolution and the excellent contrast of the images allowed the clear identification of the
anatomic details for a correct interpretation of the involvement of different sites and the infiltration
of the neoplasia in the brain.
Discussion
The limiting factors for the use of MRI in equine medicine are represented by the availability of
technically adequate equipment for the examination of subjects of such large size and, obviously,
the high cost. Further investigations will be necessary in horses with neurological
disease to increase the knowledge of the physiology and the pathology of the equine CNS.