What are the three primary sources of CT artifacts?

The three primary sources of CT artifacts are accurately identified as patient, scanner, and reconstruction processes. Understanding each source allows for better recognition and management of artifacts that can impact image quality in CT imaging.

The patient can introduce variations due to anatomy, movement, and physiological factors such as respiratory motion or the presence of metal objects like dental work or implants. These factors create challenges in obtaining a clear and accurate image.

The scanner itself can contribute to artifacts based on its hardware and design. Issues can arise from factors such as detector calibration errors, insufficient collimation, or variations in the x-ray beam quality, leading to inconsistencies in the resultant images.

Reconstruction processes are also critical since the algorithms used to reconstruct images from raw data can lead to artifacts if not properly executed. This includes issues like beam hardening or ring artifacts due to inadequate data processing techniques.

Recognizing these three sources—patient, scanner, and reconstruction processes—provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating CT artifacts, allowing for improved diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.