True or False: Magnetic susceptibility effects can both degrade and improve diagnostic image quality.

Magnetic susceptibility effects indeed have the potential to both degrade and improve diagnostic image quality, which makes the statement true.

On the one hand, magnetic susceptibility can lead to artifacts that can obscure important anatomical details in medical imaging. For instance, differences in the magnetic properties of adjacent tissues, like air versus soft tissue or even variations in the magnetic susceptibility of different body parts, can create distortions and signal loss in MRI images. These artifacts can interfere with accurate diagnosis, leading to a degradation of image quality.

Conversely, there are situations where such effects can enhance diagnostic capability. Certain magnetic susceptibility variations can be exploited to highlight specific tissues or pathological conditions. For example, the presence of hemorrhage or iron deposition in tissues can create contrast that may aid diagnosis. Therefore, in some contexts, susceptibility effects can be beneficial, improving the visibility of certain structures or anomalies.

The complexity of magnetic susceptibility in imaging illustrates its dual nature—both as a potential source of artifacts and as a tool for enhancing diagnostic precision. This nuanced understanding is critical for effectively interpreting MRI scans and optimizing imaging techniques for better clinical outcomes.