Short-term temporal alterations in magnetic resonance signal occur in primary lesions identified in the deep digital flexor tendon of the equine digit.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Primary lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) within the digit are an important cause of lameness diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but appearance of these lesions over time has not been documented. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the magnetic resonance (MR) appearance of different primary DDFT lesions alter over a 6 month period and whether lesion type is a determinant of these changes. METHODS: Cases included had lameness attributable to a primary lesion involving the DDFT in the digit diagnosed on MRI. Lesions were typed into parasagittal, dorsal border and core lesions. Approximate volumes and intensities were quantified for each lesion type using T2* scan sequences. Follow-up examinations and measurements were repeated at 3 and 6 month periods following conservative management. RESULTS: Twenty-three horses fitted the inclusion criteria. Lesion distribution included: parasagittal (n = 7), dorsal border (n = 11) and core lesions (n = 5). No association was found between age of horse, degree of lameness and lesion type. Only dorsal border lesions showed statistically significant reduction both in volume (initial scan: 0.18 ± 0.14 cm(3) ) at 3 months (0.11 ± 0.10 cm(3) , P<0.05) and 6 months (0.05 ± 0.05 cm(3) , P<0.01) and ratiometric intensity (initial scan: 4.06 ± 1.54) at 6 months (2.00 ± 0.43; P<0.01). Parasagittal and core lesions showed no difference in lesion volume or ratiometric intensity. Lameness improved in all lesion types following conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal border lesions of the DDFT show reduction in both volume and intensity whereas parasagittal and core lesions do not. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Lesion typing may be important in predicting lesion behaviour and short-term outcome using MR imaging.

A comparison of the efficacy and tolerance of an aqueous beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray with the conventional pressurized spray.

Forty-two subjects took part in a double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group study to compare the efficacy and tolerance of a nasal spray containing an aqueous suspension of beclomethasone dipropionate with the conventional pressurized spray in controlling the symptoms of seasonal rhinitis. Each patient received 100 micrograms beclomethasone dipropionate into each nostril twice daily for 14 days. Evaluation of daily symptom scores, and the physician's and subjects' assessment of treatment, demonstrated that both sprays were equally effective in alleviating symptoms and with a similar low incidence of side-effects. The aqueous spray may be considered an effective alternative treatment in the management of seasonal rhinitis.