When can MR image artifacts occur?

Magnetic Resonance (MR) image artifacts can indeed arise from a combination of factors, which encompasses both hardware and software issues, as well as the use of incorrect imaging parameters.

Artifacts can occur when the system experiences hardware-related issues such as coil malfunctions, gradient failures, or insufficient magnetic field strength. These hardware elements are critical for producing clear and accurate images, and any defect can distort the resulting images.

Additionally, software bugs that affect how images are processed, or how sequences are executed, can also lead to artifacts. For instance, issues related to image reconstruction algorithms might introduce strange patterns or noise in the final images.

Incorrect selection of imaging parameters, such as echo time (TE), repetition time (TR), or matrix size, can further contribute to artifacts as they directly influence image quality.

Therefore, it is clear that the occurrence of MR image artifacts is not isolated to just one aspect but is a multifaceted issue involving various components of the imaging system. This understanding is crucial for clinicians and technicians who need to troubleshoot and enhance image quality in MR imaging.