Reducing metal artifacts in CT scanning
White Paper
Philips CT Clinical Science
•
Philips Healthcare
•
USA
Background
Artifacts from metal objects such as orthopedic implants, surgical clips, or dental fillings can be problematic in CT scanning because of the dark bands or streaks across the images caused by the effects of the metal on CT X-rays. These metal artifacts can hide anatomical structures and pathology, hindering visualization and reducing diagnostic confidence.
 | | X-ray projection data through metal is unavailable due to the severe attenuation of X-rays by the metal, causing streaking or dark bands. |
Metal Artifact Reduction (MAR)
The Philips MX16EVO CT scanner evolves the approach to artifacts caused by metal implants in patient bodies by offering the Metal Artifact Reduction (MAR) algorithm. This technology isolates the effects of metal objects in the image data and uses this to reduce associated artifacts. The system automatically produces conventional images and MAR images for clinician review, enhancing visualization of surrounding anatomy for increased diagnostic confidence.
 This image and graph show a metal artifact and its projection data, which demonstrate the severe
Enhanced visualization
Images reconstructed using the Philips MX16EVO CT scanner with MAR show a reduction in metal artifact in both the axial and coronal planes, enhancing visualization of surrounding anatomy.
 Dental implants can cause metal artifact.
 Metal artifact resulting from orthopedic prosthesis.
 Metal artifacts resulting from two orthopedic implants.
Summary
The Philips MX16EVO CT scanner uses the MAR algorithm to reduce artifacts caused by metal implants in patient bodies such as dental work, surgical clips, and orthopedic prostheses. This technology isolates the effects of metal objects in the image data and uses this to reduce associated artifacts, enhancing visualization of surrounding anatomy to increase diagnostic confidence.
|