Image Artifacts

Any false visual feature on a medical image that simulates tissues or obscures tissues.

Artifacts

Produced by the image receptor or the digitizer (e.g., Computed Radiography).

Hardware-Induced Artifacts

Produced by the image processing software.

Software-Induced Artifacts

Produced by errors of the technologist.

Image Acquisition Artifacts

Double Exposure

Cause: Two subsequent exposures on the same imaging plate.

Remedy: Proper knowledge of how to use X-ray equipment.

Overexposure

Cause: Very high exposure settings.

Remedy: Use proper exposure factors based on body part and patient build.

Quantum Mottle (Noise)

Cause: Too low exposure setting.

Remedy: Adjust exposure factors based on body part and patient build.

Moire Pattern

Cause: Use of grids with low grid frequencies.

Remedy: Use grids with ≥60 lines/cm; grid lines should run perpendicular to the plate reader's laser scan lines.

Missing Lines or Pixels

Cause: Power failure during image transmission.

Remedy: Repeat the radiograph.

Alternating Radiopaque and Radiolucent Lines

Cause: Failure of data cables in the digitizer or CR reader.

Remedy: Replace data cables.

Uberschwinger Artifact (Halo Effect)

Cause: Edge enhancement implementation.

Remedy: Lessen edge enhancement in images containing metal implants.

Exposure Through Back of Cassette

Cause: Poor knowledge of cassette construction.

Remedy: Educate users on proper cassette handling.

Scatter Radiation

Cause: Cassette placed near scattered radiation.

Remedy: Shield cassette and erase before use.

Kink Marks

Cause: Mishandling of the imaging plate during cleaning.

Remedy: Handle cassettes and plates with care.

Light Bulb Effect

Cause: Back-scattered radiation from the bed due to high exposure or uncollimated beam.

Remedy: Lower kVp or improve collimation.

Imaging Plate - Cracks

Cause: Damage from frequent transportation.

Remedy: Replace imaging plate.

Imaging Plate - Focal Radiopacities

Cause: Dust on the imaging plate.

Remedy: Clean regularly with ethyl alcohol.

Disparity Artifact

Cause: Malfunctioning rollers in the digitizer.

Remedy: Clean rollers periodically.

Focal Linear Radiopacities

Cause: Mechanical damage during plate transport through rollers.

Remedy: Clean rollers immediately.

Multiple Localized Radiopacities

Cause: Dust during plate transport through rollers.

Remedy: Biannual maintenance of rubber rollers by service personnel.

Half-Read Image

Cause: Slipping feed rollers from transport assembly.

Remedy: Clean and recalibrate feed rollers regularly.

Plate Reader Artifact - Linear Radiopaque Line

Cause: Dirt on light guide or beam deflector.

Remedy: Have service personnel clean the light guide.

Ghost Images

Cause: Incorrect body part selection or malfunctioning halogen bulbs.

Remedy: Select correct body part or replace halogen vapor bulbs.

Image Compositing Artifact

Cause: Distortion from image stitching.

Remedy: Archive and provide access to original source images.

Detector Image Lag and Ghosting

Cause: Signal from one exposure lingers into subsequent readouts.

Remedy: Decrease unattenuated radiation and allow decay time before next exposure.

Backscatter

Occurs when scattered x-ray radiation reflects off surrounding surfaces and re-enters the detector, causing unwanted brightness or blurring in the image.