Signal intensity artifacts in clinical MR imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Signal intensity artifacts are common in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
• These artifacts can significantly degrade image quality and hinder accurate interpretation.
• Understanding the diverse origins of these artifacts is essential for maintaining diagnostic integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the various causes of signal intensity artifacts in MR imaging.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing these artifacts for optimal image quality.
• To highlight the role of quality assurance programs in mitigating artifact-related issues.

Main Methods:

• Review of common signal intensity artifacts encountered in local coil MR imaging.
• Analysis of artifacts arising from coil design, positioning, and tuning.
• Examination of artifacts related to imaging protocols, system function, and external factors.
• Discussion of artifact mitigation strategies and quality assurance importance.

Main Results:

• Identified inherent artifacts like intensity gradients and local intensity shifts.
• Highlighted artifacts from improper coil/patient positioning, which are correctable.
• Detailed artifacts from protocol optimization failures, decoupling mechanism issues, and coil tuning problems.
• Included artifacts caused by ferromagnetic foreign bodies and system malfunctions.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with diverse signal intensity artifact causes is necessary for maintaining optimal MR image quality.
• Addressing artifacts related to coil performance, patient setup, and system operation is key.
• Implementing a robust MR imaging quality assurance program is vital for artifact management.