Anatomical Assessment of the Thorax in the Neonatal Foal Using Computed Tomography Angiography, Sectional Anatomy, and Gross Dissections

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This research aimed to describe the normal appearance of the thorax in neonatal foals by computed tomography angiography (CTA). The newborn foals were imaged using a 16-slice helical CT scanner after the administration of an iodinated contrast medium. CTA images and three-dimensional cardiac volume-rendered reconstructed images were obtained to enhance cardiovascular structures. In addition, thoracic anatomical sections and gross dissections were used as anatomical references. Clinically relevant anatomical structures were identified on the CTA images, anatomical sections, and gross dissections. These findings could serve as a reference to the CTA image assessment of the thorax of neonatal foals. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to correlate the anatomic features of the normal thorax of neonatal foals identified by CTA, with anatomical sections and gross dissections. Contrast-enhanced transverse CTA images were obtained in three neonatal foals using a helical CT scanner. All sections were imaged with a bone, mediastinal, and lung windows setting. Moreover, cardiac volume-rendered reconstructed images were obtained. After CT imaging, the cadaver foals were sectioned and dissected to facilitate the interpretation of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures to the corresponding CTA images. Anatomic details of the thorax of neonatal foals were identified according to the characteristics of CT density of the different organic tissues and compared with the corresponding anatomical sections and gross dissections. The information obtained provided a valid anatomic pattern of the thorax of foals, and useful information for CTA studies of this region.