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. 2025 Nov;54(6):e70066.
doi: 10.1111/ahe.70066.

Anatomical MRI and CT Imaging Atlas of Lanyu Pigs: A Foundational Resource for Translational and Biomedical Research

Jenn-Rong Yang  1 , Yu-Hsin Chen  2 , Chun-Ming Chang  3 , Chuan-Yi Lin  3 , Yi-Ting Hou  3 , Yu-Jing Liao  1
Affiliations

Anatomical MRI and CT Imaging Atlas of Lanyu Pigs: A Foundational Resource for Translational and Biomedical Research

Jenn-Rong Yang et al. Anat Histol Embryol. 2025 Nov.

Abstract

The Lanyu pig, a genetically unique miniature breed native to Taiwan, represents a valuable yet under-characterised large-animal model in biomedical research. Here, we present a detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)-based anatomical atlas of male and female Lanyu pigs at 5-6 months of age. MRI effectively visualised brain, reproductive and abdominal structures, with T1-weighted images providing sharp anatomical boundaries and T2-weighted images enhancing cerebrospinal fluid and soft-tissue contrast. CT provided high-resolution visualisation of skeletal and cardiovascular anatomy, including vascular imaging and 3D reconstructions. Quantitative MRI analyses revealed sex-specific differences in brain and cerebellar morphology, with females showing smaller brain, cerebellar and hemisphere widths but greater cerebellar length compared to males. Long bone measurements exhibited significant age × sex-dependent interactions, with females demonstrating earlier skeletal elongation and males showing a delayed growth surge. Myocardial thickness, however, displayed sex-specific patterns independent of age, with thicker left ventricular walls and interventricular septa in males. Comparative morphometric data from other miniature pig breeds highlight the distinctive developmental profile of Lanyu pigs and underscore their potential as a complementary model. The integration of surface scanning with vascular CT further extends applications to surgical planning and comparative vascular analysis. Beyond its descriptive value, this open-access dataset provides a reusable anatomical resource that supports functional anatomical interpretation, stereotactic procedures and ethical animal use under the 3Rs framework. Collectively, this atlas fills a critical gap in swine anatomy and supports the translational value of Lanyu pigs in biomedical and surgical studies.

Keywords: Lanyu pigs; computed tomography (CT); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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