Thomas Oshiro PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Karen Neiberg BS, RT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tami Samuel BS, RT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Lawrence W. Bassett MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Artifacts from positioning and technical errors are frequent causes of substandard image quality during mammography examinations. While many of these images are repeated by the technologist prior to interpretation, some can slip through the review process. It is important for the radiologist to understand the root causes of these artifacts and possible methods of correction.

The presentation will be given as a slideshow in quiz format. A problem image will be shown with no annotations for the reviewer to develop an unbiased impression. Subsequent slides will highlight problem areas, root causes and post correction images. Five classifications of artifacts will be presented: -Obstruction due to patient anatomy -Underexposure (noise) -Overexposure (detector saturation) -Equipment failure -Patient motion The content will also convey the importance of the repeat analysis and will review other feedback mechanisms radiologists can implement in the clinic.  

When artifacts in mammography are not caught during the review process, it is important to understand how to identify and correct for these problems. Monitoring of quality control procedures can help reduce the amount of these images being sent to the radiologist.  

Oshiro, T, Neiberg, K, Samuel, T, Bassett, L, Images a Radiologist Should Never See: Common Mammography Artifacts and Their Root Causes.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13019278.html