What is important to consider when evaluating the severity of artifacts in MR imaging?

When evaluating the severity of artifacts in MR imaging, magnetic susceptibility plays a critical role. Magnetic susceptibility refers to the degree to which a material can be magnetized in response to an external magnetic field. Different tissues and substances within the magnetic field can exhibit varying magnetic susceptibilities, which can lead to distortions in the MR image.

For example, interfaces between materials with different susceptibilities, such as between fat and water or between bone and soft tissue, can cause artifacts like phase cancellation or signal loss. The difference in susceptibility can alter the local magnetic field, affecting the accuracy of the images obtained. Understanding how magnetic susceptibility interacts within the MRI environment allows technologists and radiologists to better anticipate and mitigate the potential for these artifacts, leading to clearer, more accurate diagnostic images.