Magnetic resonance imaging features of equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) was used to make a diagnosis of equine nigr opallidal encephalomalacia in a horse. Equine nigropallidal encephalomalaci a is a neurodegenerative disease that has many characteristics with Parkins on-like diseases in humans. Historically, horses were euthanized based on c linical signs and exposure to the toxic weed. yellow star thistle (Centaure a solstitialis). Previously, the disease has only been confirmed on necrops y. MR imaging can provide accurate and sensitive visualization of typical l esions seen in the brain of horses affected with equine nigropallidal encep halomalacia. Lesions were seen on T1-weighted, T2-weighted and proton densi ty images. There was no contrast enhancement following Gd-DTPA administrati on. Lesions seen on MR were confirmed at necropsy. Using MR to confirm a di agnosis of equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia will prevent unnecessary s uffering of horses and expense to owners that would otherwise incur, while further diagnostics are performed.