Magnetic susceptibility artifact

Principle and interpretation

Spinal hardware can obscure nearby structures. Some sequences and metal-artifact reduction methods improve visibility without always eliminating the problem.

Indications, limitations and precautions

Artifact proves neither hardware failure nor tissue injury. Implant safety and image quality are different questions; another test may sometimes be required.

Points to consider

Safety depends on the examination, implanted devices, relevant history and any administered agent. Tell the imaging service about previous reactions, possible pregnancy or implants. Contrast use or an alternative technique requires individual assessment.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Ionizing radiation — Radiation energetic enough to ionize matter, used in radiography, CT and nuclear medicine among other applications.
• Iodinated contrast agent — Iodine-containing agent that increases x-ray attenuation, used in selected CT, angiographic or myelographic examinations.
• Gadolinium-based contrast agent — Agent used in selected MRI examinations to alter tissue signal and improve visibility of structures or pathological processes.

Medical references

1. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
2. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. Spine MRI.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.