Incidental findings on cranial magnetic resonance imaging in French bulldogs evaluated for spinal disorders: a retrospective clinical study

Advances in diagnostic imaging have increased the incidental detection of abnormalities in multiple organ systems. French Bulldogs (FBs) are predisposed to neurological and otologic conditions that could be detected using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the frequency and clinical relevance of incidental findings on cranial MRI in FBs without clinical signs of intracranial or otologic disease remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency and spectrum of incidental findings on cranial MRI in FBs evaluated for suspected spinal disorders and to explore their potential clinical implications. We retrospectively reviewed MRI and clinical data from 20 FBs and incidentally identified abnormalities in 12 FBs (60%), such as middle ear effusion (MEE) (9/20, 45%), a brain tumor (1/20, 5%), a focal non-enhancing cerebral lesion of uncertain etiology (1/20, 5%), and cysts of the sella turcica (1/20, 5%). Cranial MRI abnormalities were identified in this clinically selected cohort of FBs undergoing MRI for suspected spinal disorders, with MEE as the most common finding. These findings represent the frequency of abnormalities detected in this selected cohort and should not be interpreted as population prevalence. Complementary cranial MRI identified clinically silent intracranial and otologic abnormalities; however, only one intracranial finding resulted in additional treatment, and the clinical benefit of detecting these abnormalities could not be determined. Complementary cranial MRI may be considered on an individual clinical basis in FBs already undergoing anesthesia for spinal MRI, particularly when the potential diagnostic information is considered valuable in relation to the additional anesthesia time and financial cost. Prospective studies using standardized MRI protocols and systematic neurological follow-up are warranted to determine the clinical significance and utility of complementary cranial MRI in this population.