Common CT imaging artefacts

Abstract Cardiac CT image artefacts can be patient- or scan-related, and failure to recognize them can lead to misdiagnosis. Some artefacts can be avoided or reduced by appropriate patient and device selection, optimal preparation, and by adjustments in scan protocols or image reconstruction. The most common cardiac CT artefacts are blurring or discontinuity artefacts from motion (mostly cardiac); hence, the most effective measure to improve image quality is to decrease heart rate and heart rate variability. Other common artefacts include partial volume effects, beam hardening, excessive image noise, slab or banding artefacts, and low contrast enhancement.