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Published on: September 8, 2021
Brain and spine MRI artifacts at 3Tesla
M I Vargas1, J Delavelle, R Kohler
1Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Geneva University Hospital, 24, road Micheli-du-Crest, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Maria.i.Vargas@hcuge.ch
Introduction:
We illustrate here the most common MRI artifacts found on routine 3T clinical neuroradiology that can simulate pathology and interfere with diagnosis.
Materials And Methods:
Our group has worked with a 3-T Magnetom Trio (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) system for two years, with 50% of our time devoted to clinical work and 50% dedicated to research; 65% of the clinical time is dedicated to neuroradiology (2705 patients) and the remaining time to whole-body MRI. We have detected these artifacts during our case readings and have selected the most representative of each type to illustrate here.
Results:
We have observed magnetic susceptibility artifacts (29%), pulsation artifacts (57%), homogeneity artifacts (3%), motion artifacts (6%), truncation artifacts (3%) and, finally, artifacts due to poor or inadequate technique in the examined region.
Conclusion:
High-field imaging offers the benefit of a higher signal-to-noise ratio, thus making possible the options of a higher imaging matrix, thinner slices, the use of spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging in the routine clinical neuroradiology with a reduction in time spent. It is vital to be able to recognize these artifacts in everyday practice as they can mimic pathological appearances, thus causing diagnostic errors that could lead to unnecessary treatment. Indeed, most of these artifacts could be avoided with an adequate technique.
Insights
Recognizing common MRI artifacts in 3T neuroradiology is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis. Understanding these common magnetic resonance imaging artifacts, like pulsation and susceptibility, can improve diagnostic accuracy and avoid unnecessary treatments.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Routine 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical neuroradiology frequently encounters artifacts.
- These artifacts can mimic pathological conditions, potentially leading to diagnostic errors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the most common MRI artifacts encountered in 3T clinical neuroradiology.
- To highlight how these artifacts can interfere with accurate diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of artifacts detected over two years using a 3-T Magnetom Trio MRI system.
- Focus on neuroradiology cases (2705 patients) to identify and select representative artifact examples.
Main Results:
- Pulsation artifacts were most common (57%), followed by magnetic susceptibility artifacts (29%).
- Other observed artifacts included homogeneity (3%), motion (6%), and truncation (3%), along with technique-related issues.
Conclusions:
- High-field MRI (3T) offers advanced imaging capabilities but requires artifact recognition for accurate diagnosis.
- Identifying and understanding these artifacts is vital to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary patient treatment.
- Many common artifacts can be avoided through proper MRI technique.
