What causes image artifacts in X-ray imaging?

Image artifacts in X-ray imaging are distortions or errors that appear on the image and do not represent actual anatomical structures. These artifacts can be caused by a variety of factors related to the patient, the equipment, and the environment. Patient-related artifacts can include movement artifacts, which occur when the patient moves during the X-ray exposure, resulting in blurring or streaking on the image. Metallic objects, such as jewelry or implants, can also cause artifacts because they absorb X-rays differently than soft tissues and bone, creating bright or dark areas that obscure the underlying anatomy. Equipment-related artifacts can arise from malfunctions or imperfections in the X-ray tube, detector, or processing system. For example, a damaged detector element can produce a line or streak on the image. Scatter radiation, which is radiation that has been deflected from its original path, can also degrade image quality and create artifacts. Proper collimation, which is restricting the X-ray beam to the area of interest, and the use of anti-scatter grids can help minimize scatter radiation. Environmental factors, such as electromagnetic interference, can also introduce artifacts. Regular quality control testing and maintenance of the X-ray equipment are essential for identifying and correcting potential sources of artifacts. By understanding the causes of image artifacts, radiographers and medical physicists can take steps to minimize their occurrence and ensure the accuracy of the diagnostic information obtained from X-ray images.