Abstract
Objectives Gracilis myopathy is a well-recognized syndrome of weight-bearing gait abnormality;
however, detailed description of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) features of gracilis myopathy is lacking in the literature. This study aims
to describe in detail CT and MRI features of gracilis myopathy.
Study design This is a retrospective study. Medical records of dogs with characteristic gait and
available pelvic limb MRI or CT, presenting to four referral institutions, were reviewed.
Results Seven cases with MRI (3/7) or CT (4/7) were included, all German Shepherd dogs. MRI
findings in all cases included a well-defined, T1-/T2-/proton density-weighted hypointense
band along the axial margin of the gracilis muscle, shorter affected muscles, thickening
and T2W/STIR hyperintensity with contrast enhancement at the symphyseal tendon, and
concurrent focal indentation of the axial border of the gracilis muscle. CT findings
included a hyperattenuating band (4/4), single instances of contrast enhancement at
the origin of the muscle, thickening of the tendon at the origin and insertion, and
concurrent thickening at the musculotendinous muscle.
Conclusion CT and MRI can present advantages in correctly identifying the specific muscles affected
within the gracilis–semitendinosus muscle complex. Both modalities can localize anatomically
lesions in detail, for instance at the origin or insertion of the muscle, which could
present advantages in novel treatment strategies for this condition.
Keywords
musculotendinous - contracture - thigh - lameness - semitendinosus
