Preliminary Contrast-Enhanced CT Imaging of the Coelom in an Adult Male African White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus): A Case Study Using Maximum Intensity Projection and Three-Dimensional Volume Rendering

Cross-sectional imaging data for the African white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) are lacking, and interpretation relies mainly on general avian descriptions and studies in other birds. This preliminary case study evaluated contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for visualising principal coelom structures and their spatial relationships in an adult male G. africanus. Images were assessed using multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques. Soft-tissue images better depicted parenchymal organs and cardiovascular structures, whereas lung-window images improved visualisation of the respiratory system, air sacs, and pneumatised skeletal regions. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) and 3D volume rendering (VR) provided complementary information on vascular anatomy and spatial relationships. The observed anatomical features were generally consistent with established avian anatomy and previous imaging studies in other species. CT provided useful anatomical information in this individual and may support future comparative and clinical imaging studies in G. africanus. However, because only one bird was examined and no complementary anatomical sectioning or dissection was performed, the findings should be regarded as a preliminary case study rather than species-specific anatomical reference data.