[Ultrasonic imaging artifacts. Physical bases]

Abstract

This review describes frequently visualized and clinically relevant artifacts in ultrasound imaging. The imaging artifacts are categorized by their underlying physical or technical causes, such as: multiple reflections, non-linear propagation direction of the sound, sound beam diameter and pulse length, attenuation, interference, range ambiguity and propagation speed. Examples are given, and procedures that help to minimize imaging artifacts are discussed.