PMC7758316_01
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the present dog. T2-weighted (A,D), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) (B), and T1-weighted (C,E) images were obtained by 0.3-Tesla MRI 2 days after the initial onset of clinical signs. The diffusion weighted image (DWI) (F) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map (G) were taken by a 3-Tesla MRI 6 days after the initial onset of clinical signs. (A,B) There is hyperintensity in the T2-weighted and FLAIR images between the C3-C6 spinal cord parenchyma. Sagittal view. (C) There is isointensity in the T1-weighted image between the C3-C6 level. Sagittal view. (D) There is hyperintensity in the T2-weighted image at the C5 spinal cord parenchyma. Transverse view. (E) There is hypo- to iso- intensity in the T1-weighted image at the C5 spinal cord parenchyma. Transverse view. (F) High signal intensity is identified at the C5 spinal cord level (arrow) on the sagittal DWI. (G) ADC map shows low signal intensity at the C5 spinal cord (arrow). Sagittal view. These findings match the characteristics of FCE.
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F1
T2-weighted, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were obtained using transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes. The main lesion was identified between the C3-C6 spinal cord parenchyma through hyperintensity in the T2-weighted and FLAIR images, as well as hypointensity to isointensity in the T1-weighted images (Figures 1A-E). A high signal intensity was identified between the C4-C6 level corresponding to the lesion observed on the previous MRI on the sagittal DWI (Figure 1F). It was calculated using OsiriX MD v10.0 (Pixmeo Sarl, Geneva, Switzerland) and showed a low value (0.54 x 10-3 mm2/s; ADC value of normal spinal cord, 0.93 x 10-3 mm2/s) (Figure 1G).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and necropsy findings of a fibrocartilaginous embolism in the cervical spinal cord. (A) There is hyperintensity (red dotted line) in the left spinal parenchyma in the T2-weighted image observed on a 3-Tesla MRI 6 days after the initial onset of clinical signs. Transverse view. (B,C) A necrotic area (yellow dotted line) is observed in left part of the spinal cord parenchyma 10 days after the initial onset of clinical signs. Transverse view. (D) The dorsal view of the cervical spinal cord 10 days after the initial onset of clinical signs.
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F2
Necropsy revealed necrotic regions in the area where the lesion was observed on MRI (Figure 2).
Histopathological findings of a fibrocartilaginous embolism at the C5 spinal cord level. (A) Liquefaction necrosis of the gray matter is observed with an almost total loss of the central gray column. Hematoxylin and eosin, x5 magnification. (B) A small artery with a fibrocartilaginous embolus within its lumen. Hematoxylin and eosin, x200 magnification.
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F3
A histopathological examination revealed the presence of a fibrocartilaginous embolus in a small artery at the C5 level (Figure 3).