Synopsis

Keywords: Physics & Engineering: Implants, Image acquisition: Artefacts

Metal implants are commonly encountered in MRI and negatively impact image quality, causing artifacts that obscure anatomy and pathology. Artifacts are managed clinically through conventional sequence parameter optimization and advanced MRI methods. However, residual artifacts persist, limiting diagnostic value near implants. New multi-spectral imaging approaches leverage material properties to mitigate artifacts. Understanding artifacts and current clinical approaches sets the stage for discussion on these emerging techniques. Optimizing workflows requires recognizing implants’ prevalence, artifacts’ effects on MRI interpretation, applying specialized protocols to maximize diagnostic yield for critical evaluations near implants.

Introduction

The significant and growing number of patients with metal implants presents a major challenge for clinical MRI evaluation. Metallic implants introduce susceptibilty and radiofrequency artifacts that distort the magnetic field and disrupt visualization of tissue signal near implants, obscuring anatomy and pathology crucial for clinical diagnoses. While conventional artifact mitigation approaches can improve images, impactful residual artifacts persist and cause degraded diagnostic utility of MRI specifically near implants. Advances in multi-spectral imaging techniques over the past decade have demonstrated promise in overcoming these limitations. By recognizing prevalent artifacts, understanding the principles behind both legacy and emerging mitigation strategies, and properly tailoring scan protocols, imaging clinics can optimize diagnostic sensitivity of MRI exams for critical diagnoses near implants. This lecture will cover the principles behind metal artifacts, utility and limitations of conventional approaches, principles behind multi-spectral driven solutions, as well as implementation considerations for tailored workflows that ensure patient access to high-quality MRI diagnoses in the presence of metal implants.

Acknowledgements

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References

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