Clinically challenging mammographic artifacts: a pictorial guide.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2001
Abstract
Artifacts on mammographic images detract from the overall quality of the images and often present clinical and technical troubleshooting difficulties for the interpreting radiologist, technologist, and medical physicist and for the equipment and processor service personnel. This presentation demonstrates several types of mammographic artifacts that may pose a clinical challenge. They are arranged in the following categories: (1) particularly dangerous artifacts, (2) masses, (3) calcifications, (4) density variations, and (5) miscellaneous artifacts. Examples of such findings as summation shadows, normal anatomic variations, and incorrect positioning are also demonstrated as artifacts in this guide, because they may affect image quality or patient radiation dose. Under the Mammography Quality Standards Act, the lead interpreting physician has the responsibility for ensuring that the facility meets quality assurance requirements and is required to follow up with the technologist on poor-quality images. It is vital to recognize and correct for artifacts, whether they simulate non-existent lesions or obscure real pathology, because misinterpretation can lead to undesirable consequences.
Volume
30
Issue
1
First Page
6
Last Page
18
ISSN
0363-0188
Published In/Presented At
Coscia, J., Jaskulski, S., & Wang, J. (2001). Clinically challenging mammographic artifacts: a pictorial guide. Current problems in diagnostic radiology, 30(1), 6–18. https://doi.org/10.1067/mdr.2001.112723
Disciplines
Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology
PubMedID
11211883
Department(s)
Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Document Type
Article