The majority of imaging artifacts are likely a result of:

The majority of imaging artifacts arise predominantly from system assumptions made during the imaging process. These assumptions are inherent in the design and operation of ultrasound equipment and relate to the mathematics behind the formation of images. For example, the ultrasound system operates under the assumption that sound travels in a straight line, that tissue impedance is uniform, and that there are no obstacles in the pathway of the sound waves. When these conditions are not met—such as in the case of varied tissue densities, angled structures, or the presence of reflective surfaces—artifacts may occur.

These artifacts can manifest in various ways, such as shadowing or enhancement. When the assumptions of the system do not hold true in practice, the resulting images can be distorted or misrepresent the actual anatomy being examined. This highlights the importance of understanding both the capabilities and limitations of the ultrasound system, as well as the physical principles that govern sound propagation and imaging. As you deepen your understanding of sonography, recognizing how system assumptions can lead to artifacts will be critical for accurate interpretation of ultrasound images.