susceptibility blooming
Artifact on gradient echo sequences causing hemorrhage or calcification to appear larger than actual size.
Full Definition
Susceptibility blooming is a characteristic artifact seen on gradient echo MRI sequences where paramagnetic substances such as blood products or calcifications appear artificially enlarged due to local magnetic field distortions. This phenomenon is particularly prominent on T2*-weighted and susceptibility-weighted imaging sequences. While this artifact can obscure adjacent anatomy, it can also be diagnostically useful for detecting microhemorrhages or calcifications that might not be visible on other sequences. Understanding this artifact is crucial for accurate interpretation of gradient echo imaging.
Usage
Usage note: Explain when artifact may limit evaluation of adjacent structures.
In Context
- "The cavernous malformation showed characteristic susceptibility blooming on GRE imaging." — MRI interpretation report
- "Susceptibility blooming from the microhemorrhage obscured evaluation of the adjacent white matter." — Technical limitation note