Common artefacts and pitfalls in equine computed and digital radiography and how to avoid them

Abstract

Summary Radiographic technology has rapidly advanced over the last decade with the use of both computed radiography and digital radiography now being common in equine practice. Image quality is critical for optimal diagnostic accuracy, so identification of factors that negatively influence quality is vital. The most commonly encountered problems include positioning errors, exposure anomalies, movement artefacts, labelling errors and image processing faults. The aim of this review is to describe common radiographic faults that will allow the equine practitioner to recognise and learn how to prevent these issues, thus improving image quality. This will aid in improving diagnostic accuracy and will enhance radiation safety by reducing the number of repeat exposures required.

An AI-based algorithm for the automatic evaluation of image quality in canine thoracic radiographs

“…Obtaining high-quality images is essential for correct radiographic interpretation, and overlooking proper technique can lead to misinterpretation of several radiographic signs 1 . The topic of radiographic image quality has been scarcely investigated in veterinary medicine, with only a few papers available on the subject 2,3 . Additionally, the incidence and causes of radiographic technical errors in veterinary clinical practice are poorly understood 4 .…”

Image processing setting adaptions according to image dose and radiologist preference can improve image quality in computed radiography of the equine distal limb: A cadaveric study

“…Poor-quality radiographs are difficult to evaluate, and they might be misinterpreted. 1 IQ in a digital radiography system is determined by the interaction of individual steps of the imaging chain: signal detection, signal processing, image display, data transmission, and data archiving. 2 Image processing (IP) is the procedure of converting the recorded detector signal into an image appropriate for clinical use 3 : the technical principle is to decompose the image into a series of subfrequency images and then to fuse these into one single image with improved structure visibility.…”

“…Image quality (IQ) is critical for optimal diagnostic accuracy in equine orthopedic radiography. Poor‐quality radiographs are difficult to evaluate, and they might be misinterpreted 1 . IQ in a digital radiography system is determined by the interaction of individual steps of the imaging chain: signal detection, signal processing, image display, data transmission, and data archiving 2 .…”

“…However, the potential of FNC for dose reduction and VGP for IQ improvement has not yet been investigated in equine orthopedics. Conversely, insufficient processing can lead to the suppression of relevant image information and induction of artifacts 1,17 . For example, excessive IP may cause Überschwinger artifacts—a radiolucent halo occurring where large density differences exist between adjacent objects that can be mistaken for loosening of orthopedic devices 1 or pneumothorax 17 .…”

“…Conversely, insufficient processing can lead to the suppression of relevant image information and induction of artifacts 1,17 . For example, excessive IP may cause Überschwinger artifacts—a radiolucent halo occurring where large density differences exist between adjacent objects that can be mistaken for loosening of orthopedic devices 1 or pneumothorax 17 . Modern software, like Dynamic Visualization II, 18 claims to be able to minimize this effect 17 .…”