The twinkle artifact in medical ultrasound is a common phenomenon appearing as a rapidly changing mosaic of colors behind highly reflective, rough surfaces like calcifications or kidney stones. This artifact, often misinterpreted as true blood flow, is crucial for sonographers to recognize as it can aid in the detection and characterization of certain lesions.
Understanding the twinkle artifact is essential for accurate ultrasound interpretation. It helps differentiate calcified structures from other pathologies, improving diagnostic precision in various clinical applications. Mastering the identification of this artifact is a key skill in advanced ultrasound imaging and medical diagnostics.
