Learning objectives
Describe the imaging features of US artifacts.
Understands the physical origins of US artifacts.
Learn how US artifacts can aid the diagnosis.
Background
Imaging artifacts are commonly encountered in ultrasonography (US) and might be a source of confusion.
These artifacts are usually unavoidable and generated by the intrinsic physical properties of ultrasound.
Regardless,
some artifacts can be remedied by proper scanning technique in order to improve image quality.
A basic appreciation of the physical properties of the ultrasound beam provides understanding of the origin of US artifacts as well as clues that can aim for diagnosis.
Findings and procedure details
1.
US artifacts associated with ultrasound beam characteristics:
Image processing assumes that the echoes detected originate from within the main ultrasound beam.
The ultrasound beam is not uniform with depth,
the main beam leaves the transdurer with the same width as it,
then narrows as it approaches the focal zone and widens again distal to this zone.
1.1.
Beam width artifact: Fig. 8
A reflective object is located beyond the widened ultrasound beam,
afther the focal zone,
creates false detectable echoes that are displayed as...
Conclusion
Imaging artifacts are commonly encountered in US.
Recognition of these artifacts and remediation of potencially correctable ones is important for imaging quality improvement and proper interpretation of US findings.
References
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Sonographic artifacts and their origins.
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Campbell SC,
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Color and Power Doppler US Pitfalls in the abdomen and pelvis.
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Spectral and color Doppler artifacts.
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