Artifacts in musculoskeletal MR imaging
Dinesh R Singh1, Michael S M Chin1, Wilfred C G Peh1
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Alexandra Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Abstract:
MR imaging has become an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of a vast number of pathologies and is of foremost importance in the evaluation of spine, joints, and soft tissue structures of the musculoskeletal system. MR imaging is susceptible to various artifacts that may affect the image quality or even simulate pathologies. Some of these artifacts have gained special importance with the use of higher field strength magnets and with the increasing need for MR imaging in postoperative patients, especially those with previous joint replacements or metallic implants. Artifacts may arise from patient motion or could be due to periodic motion, such as vascular and cardiac pulsation. Artifacts could also arise from various protocol errors including saturation, wraparound, truncation, shading, partial volume averaging, and radiofrequency interference artifacts. Susceptibility artifact occurs at interfaces with different magnetic susceptibilities and is of special importance with increasing use of metallic joint replacement prostheses. Magic angle phenomenon is a special type of artifact that occurs in musculoskeletal MR imaging. It is essential to recognize these artifacts and to correct them because they may produce pitfalls in image interpretation.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging artifacts can degrade image quality and mimic pathologies, especially with higher field strengths and metallic implants. Recognizing and correcting these artifacts is crucial for accurate musculoskeletal diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is vital for musculoskeletal system evaluation, including spine, joints, and soft tissues.
- Image quality is susceptible to artifacts that can mimic or obscure pathologies.
- Artifacts are increasingly significant with higher magnetic field strengths and in patients with metallic implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common and important artifacts encountered in musculoskeletal MR imaging.
- To highlight artifacts that are more prevalent with advanced imaging techniques and in specific patient populations.
- To emphasize the importance of artifact recognition for accurate image interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Review of common MR imaging artifacts relevant to musculoskeletal applications.
- Discussion of artifact origins, including patient motion, physiological processes, protocol errors, and material properties.
- Focus on susceptibility artifacts and the magic angle phenomenon.
Main Results:
- Artifacts can arise from patient motion, physiological pulsations (cardiac, vascular), and protocol errors (saturation, wraparound, truncation, shading, partial volume averaging, RF interference).
- Susceptibility artifacts are critical at interfaces with differing magnetic susceptibilities, particularly with metallic implants.
- The magic angle phenomenon is a specific artifact in musculoskeletal MR imaging.
Conclusions:
- Artifacts are an inherent challenge in MR imaging, impacting diagnostic accuracy.
- Understanding artifact generation is essential for optimizing imaging protocols and interpretation.
- Correct identification and management of artifacts are critical to avoid diagnostic errors in musculoskeletal imaging.
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