Ultrasound imaging is a helpful diagnostic technique utilised in various medical fields. However, like with any imaging modality, it is vulnerable to artefacts, which can reduce image quality and interpretation. Here are several frequent artefacts in ultrasound imaging, along with their primary causes:
Reverberation artifacts: arise when ultrasound waves are reflected often between thick materials. As a result, the image displays several copies of a reflector. Reverberations can also occur within structures that have significant echogenicity. These artefacts might be noticed in the image as parallel lines or bands.
Shadowing artifacts: when a structure with strong echogenicities, such as a bone or calcification, reflects practically all sound waves, allowing too few waves to investigate the space beyond the reflector. This creates a black patch or shadow on the image. Acoustic shadowing can be observed below the reflector and can impair the visibility of structures behind it.
Enhancement artifacts: It happens when an ultrasound beam travels within a structure containing little attenuation, which can be in a bladder or a vessel. The enhanced transmission of sound waves through the structure causes higher echogenicity in the deeper tissues, resulting in a brighter region on the image.
Mirror image artifacts: when an efficient reflector serves as a mirror, resulting in a duplicate image of a structure in front of the reflector. This artefact resembles reverberation artifacts, however, the duplicate image is viewed on the other side of the reflector.
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References
NYSORA. (2024, February 8). Ultrasound
image artifacts explained. https://www.nysora.com/news/ultrasound-image-artifacts-explained/
Rawshani, D. A. (2019, November 23). Artifacts in ultrasound imaging –
Cardiovascular education. Cardiovascular Education. https://ecgwaves.com/topic/artifacts-in-ultrasound-imaging/
Ultrasound artifacts. (2021, March 2). Oncology Medical Physics. https://oncologymedicalphysics.com/ultrasound-artifacts/
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