susceptibility artifact
MRI image distortion caused by magnetic field inhomogeneities near air-tissue interfaces or metallic objects.
Full Definition
Susceptibility artifact is a type of MRI artifact that occurs when there are differences in magnetic susceptibility between adjacent tissues or when metallic objects are present in the imaging field. These differences cause local magnetic field distortions that result in signal dropout, image distortion, or signal pile-up. In neuroradiology, susceptibility artifacts commonly occur near the skull base, sinuses, and ears due to air-tissue interfaces, and around dental work or surgical hardware. While these artifacts can degrade image quality, they can also provide diagnostic information, such as detecting blood products or calcifications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other types of MRI artifacts in technical descriptions.
In Context
- "Susceptibility artifact from dental hardware limits evaluation of the adjacent temporal lobes." — MRI limitation note
- "The apparent signal loss may represent susceptibility artifact rather than true pathology." — Image interpretation caveat