Standardizing the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions

Background: Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing importance to monitor equine tendon lesions. Comparing results between studies and cases is hampered because image analysis approaches vary strongly. This study aimed to improve the reliability, comparability and time efficiency of quantitative MRI image analysis.

Methods: The research team studied induced tendon lesions over a 24-week period with 10 follow-up MRI examinations. Signal intensities (SIs) of tendons, tendon lesions, cortical bone and background, as well as lesion cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured.

Lesion SI standardization with different formulas was evaluated, using histological findings as a reference. Different types of the region of interest for lesion SI measurement were compared. Lesion CSA measurement at different levels was evaluated, using the calculated total lesion volume as a reference. Subjective lesion identification and manual CSA and SI measurements were compared to an automated, algorithm-based approach.

Results: Lesion SI standardized using a quotient of lesion and background or cortical bone SI, correlated best with histologically determined lesion severity. Lesion SI in circular regions of interest correlated strongly with lesion SI in free-hand whole-lesion ROIs. The level of the maximum lesion CSA shifted over time; the CSA maximum correlated strongly with lesion volume. In sequences with short acquisition time, algorithm-based automated lesion detection showed almost perfect agreement with subjective lesion identification. Automated measurement of CSA and SI was also feasible, with stronger correlation and better agreement with the manually obtained data for the SI than for the CSA.

Conclusion: The researchers concluded that their study may provide guidance for MRI image analysis of tendon healing. Reliable image analysis can be performed time-efficiently, particularly regarding lesion SI quantification.

Carla Ulrike Doll, Melanie Bohner, Dagmar Berner, Kathrin Buettner, Carolin Horstmeier, Karsten Winter and Janina Burk. "Approaches to standardising the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions." Vet Record Open. 23 February 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/vro2.57

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