Artefacts in POCUS 1

Key Learning Points

• The artefacts produced in an image can be a source of confusion due to poor scanning technique or improper machine understanding but at times can also help with diagnosis.
• Reverberation occurs where the sound pulse bounces back and forth between two highly reflective interfaces
• Post acoustic enhancements occur as interfaces deep to cystic structures will produce stronger reflections and appear brighter.
• Acoustic shadowing occurs due to a significant reduction in the amount of sound energy travelling beyond the reflecting structure.

References

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3. Kremkau FW, Taylor KJ. Artifacts in ultrasound imaging. J Ultrasound Med. 1986;5(4):227–37. doi:10.7863/jum.1986.5.4.227 2.
4. Gibbs V, Cole D, Sassano A. Ultrasound physics and technology: how, why and when. Edinburgh: Elsevier Health Sciences; 20093.
5. Hoskins PR, Martin K, Thrush A, editors. Diagnostic ultrasound: physics and equipment. 3rd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2019.