Asto CT Best Scans of the Year Results: Celebrating Excellence in Veterinary Imaging
The Asto CT Best Scans of the Year Awards is an annual event that recognizes the outstanding contributions of veterinary professionals in the field of computed tomography (CT) scans. This year's results showcase remarkable achievements in 3D scans, head scans, limb scans, and soft tissue filter scans.
Judging Criteria
Clarity and Resolution:
Clear, high-resolution images are paramount. Judges considered the sharpness, absence of artifacts, and overall quality of captured details.
Diagnostic Value:
The comprehensive diagnostic information provided by the scans was evaluated. Judges assessed the ability to reveal relevant anatomical structures, lesions, injuries, or abnormalities.
Innovative Cases:
Acknowledging scans that showcased unique or challenging cases, the judging panel recognized the imaging technique's capacity to handle diverse clinical scenarios.
Clinical Impact:
Judges assessed how the information from the scans has impacted or could potentially influence the treatment, prognosis, or management of the horse’s condition.
Anatomical Coverage:
The scans were evaluated based on the extent of anatomical coverage, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the relevant anatomy.
Positioning and Technique:
Proper positioning of the horse during the scan and the correct application of CT technique were crucial factors. Judges evaluated if the positioning optimally captured the area of interest without distortion or artifacts.
Documentation and Information:
The completeness of documentation accompanying the scans, including patient history, clinical indications, and any additional information aiding interpretation, was scrutinized.
Contest Participants
The contest saw participation from esteemed professionals in the field of equine veterinary medicine:
Dr. Nicolas Ernst DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS: Professor of Equine Surgery, Sports Medicine and Lameness, University of Minnesota, Leatherdale Equine Center.
Dr. Kevin G. Keegan DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS: Professor and Director, E. Paige Laurie Endowed Program in Equine Lameness, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri.
Dr. Joanne Kramer DVM MS DACVS: Teaching Professor, University of Missouri.
Dr. Sabrina H Brounts DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ECVS, Diplomate ACVSMR: Professor of Large Animal Surgery, Director, ACVS Resident Credentialing Committee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Katie Weatherall VMD, MS, DACVS-LA: SoCal Equine Hospital.
Best Scans: A Closer Look at Excellence
Best 3D Scan:
Dr. Nicolas Ernst: Distal Limb Perfusion (1st Place):
Awarded for novel case selection, anatomical coverage, detailed information, image quality, and the absence of artifacts in a technically challenging non-weight bearing patient.
Case History: A yearling Warmblood filly presented for a degloving injury to RH metatarsus, showcasing the scan's clinical relevance.
Dr. Katie Weatherall: Orbital Trauma (2nd Place):
Recognized for capturing orbital trauma with clarity and precision.
Case History: A 9-year-old QH stallion presented following a traumatic incident with a concrete water trough.
Best Head Scan:
Dr. Sabrina Brounts: Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (1st Place):
Awarded for comprehensive details, provided multiple MPR views, and a case selection aiding in the decision for euthanasia.
Case History: A 9-month-old Percheron gelding presented for respiratory noise, leading to the discovery of a multilocular aneurysmal bone cyst.
Dr. Nicolas Ernst: Sinus Mass (2nd Place):
Recognized for capturing a sinus mass with clinical significance.
Case History: A 10-year-old Tennessee Walking Gelding presented for facial swelling.
Dr. Katie Weatherall: Sinus Mycosis (3rd Place):
Acknowledged for the clinical impact of capturing sinus mycosis.
Case History: A 23-year-old QH gelding presented for right side unilateral epistaxis.
Best Limb Scan:
Dr. Nicolas Ernst: MC3 Fracture (1st Place):
Awarded for image quality, anatomical coverage, case selection, and clinical impact in a 16-year-old Argentinian Warmblood Gelding.
Case History: Presented for 4/5 right front lameness after trauma incidents.
Dr. Katie Weatherall: P2 Fracture (2nd Place):
Recognized for capturing a P2 fracture in a 4-year-old QH stallion.
Case History: Presented with acute non-weight bearing lameness following a gallop.
Dr. Kevin Keegan: Navicular Bone / P3 Lesions (3rd Place):
Acknowledged for the evaluation of right forelimb lameness in an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding.
Case History: Noted “misstep” on right forelimb, treated with coffin joint injection, resulting in resolution.
Dr. Joanne Kramer: P3 Sequestrum (4th Place):
Recognized for resolving a non-healing puncture wound in a 24-year-old gelding.
Best Soft Tissue Filter Scan:
Dr. Nicolas Ernst: DDFT Lesion (1st Place):
Awarded for image quality, diagnostic value, clinical impact, and soft tissue lesion visualization in a 5-year-old POA mare.
Case History: Presented for CT of the right front foot, revealing a DDFT lesion.
Dr. Katie Weatherall: Oronasal Mass (2nd Place):
Recognized for capturing an oronasal mass with clinical significance.
Case History: A 24-year-old Arabian cross mare presented for unilateral left nasal discharge.
The Asto CT expresses its gratitude to VET CT for their expertise in evaluating the entries. Each deserving winner received a $100 Amazon gift card and exclusive Asto CT and VET CT merchandise. Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions to the field of veterinary computed tomography!