The edge artifact in medical ultrasound manifests as a dark, anechoic band or shadow that appears behind highly curved or highly reflective structures, such as blood vessel walls or organ capsules. This artifact is a result of sound beam refraction and destructive interference at the edges of these structures. It can sometimes obscure underlying anatomy, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
Understanding and recognizing edge artifacts is crucial for sonographers and radiologists to avoid misinterpreting images. Proper transducer angulation and focal zone adjustment can help minimize its appearance, ensuring clearer visualization of tissues and pathologies. Edge artifacts are a common phenomenon in ultrasound imaging, distinguishing them from true anatomical shadows.
