What is a common artifact caused by foreign bodies in CT images?

What is a common artifact caused by foreign bodies in CT images?

• A. Streak artifact, often seen near metal implants
• B. Motion artifact due to patient movement
• C. Metal artifact from dental work
• D. Incremental artifact from improper calibration

Answer: (A)

A streak artifact is indeed a common issue encountered in CT imaging, particularly associated with the presence of dense foreign bodies, such as metal implants. When X-rays pass through these materials, they can encounter significant attenuation because of the high density of the metal. This attenuation leads to a difference in the number of photons captured by the detectors, causing data inconsistencies that appear as streaks extending from the metallic object in the final image. While motion artifacts can occur due to patient movement during the scan, and metal artifacts may arise from various dental work or implants, the description of a clear streak pattern specifically linked to dense materials aligns well with the nature of foreign body interference. Incremental artifacts, often associated with calibration issues, would typically not create the same pronounced imaging effects as streak artifacts caused by foreign bodies. Thus, the identification of streak artifacts as a direct consequence of foreign body presence is justified.

A streak artifact is indeed a common issue encountered in CT imaging, particularly associated with the presence of dense foreign bodies, such as metal implants. When X-rays pass through these materials, they can encounter significant attenuation because of the high density of the metal. This attenuation leads to a difference in the number of photons captured by the detectors, causing data inconsistencies that appear as streaks extending from the metallic object in the final image.

While motion artifacts can occur due to patient movement during the scan, and metal artifacts may arise from various dental work or implants, the description of a clear streak pattern specifically linked to dense materials aligns well with the nature of foreign body interference. Incremental artifacts, often associated with calibration issues, would typically not create the same pronounced imaging effects as streak artifacts caused by foreign bodies. Thus, the identification of streak artifacts as a direct consequence of foreign body presence is justified.