Overcoming Common Ultrasound Artifacts: Tips for Cleaner Ultrasound Scans
Apr 03, 2024
Ultrasound is an incredibly versatile tool. It offers a real-time, non-invasive window into the body. But like any imaging tool, it has the potential for image artifacts - distortions that can make accurate diagnosis more difficult. Sonographers and those interpreting ultrasound images need to recognize and understand these artifacts to make the best possible clinical decisions.
What are Ultrasound Artifacts?
- Ultrasound artifacts are visual errors on an image that don’t represent real anatomical structures.
- They often stem from the physics of how ultrasound waves interact with tissues, or limitations in the equipment being used.
- Understanding artifacts is crucial, since they may mimic real pathology or mask actual health conditions.
Common Types of Ultrasound Artifacts
- Reverberation: Multiple reflections between two strong reflectors, creating a series of parallel lines.
- Shadowing: Reduced or absent signal behind structures that heavily reflect or absorb sound (like bone or calculi).
- Enhancement: Opposite of shadowing, an area appears brighter because of reduced attenuation of sound waves.
- Beam Width Artifact: Objects away from the main axis of the ultrasound beam may appear wider than they actually are.
- Mirror Image Artifact: Reflection of a structure across a strong boundary, creating a duplicate image on the other side.
Tips for Minimizing Artifacts
- Change Transducer Angle: Sometimes a slight tilt or rotation can eliminate an artifact.
- Adjust Depth: Optimizing the depth of focus can improve image clarity.
- Adjust Frequency: Different frequencies interact with tissues differently, possibly reducing some artifacts.
- Harmonic Imaging: Consider using harmonic imaging modes when available, as they can reduce certain artifacts.
- Know Your Equipment: Understand your ultrasound system’s features, modes, and limitations.
Resources for Deeper Learning
- MXR Imaging: Ultrasound Imaging Artifacts: How To Mitigate Them: https://mxrimaging.com/Ultrasound-Imaging-Artifacts-How-To-Mitigate
- Radiopaedia: Ultrasound Artefacts: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ultrasound-artefacts
Important points
- Recognizing ultrasound artifacts is essential for accurate image interpretation.
- Many artifacts can be minimized with good ultrasound technique and settings adjustments.
- Continuous learning and using a variety of resources will improve your artifact identification skills.
Disclaimer: This blog is informational. Always seek medical advice when interpreting ultrasound images for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
References
- Somnath J Prabhu et. Ultrasound artifacts: classification, applied physics with illustrations, and imaging apperances. Ultrasound Q. 2014 Jun;30(2):145-57.
