Methods for the Quantitative Assessment of Image Artifacts Caused by Implantable Devices

Benjamin Anthony Coppola¹, Ramez Emile Necola Shehada¹, Peter Nabil Costandi¹, Kevin Jurkowski¹, Ali Dianaty¹

Susceptibility artifacts due to metallic implants may affect the interpretability of an anatomical image. Such artifacts may be quantified using ASTM standard F2119-07. A new method is proposed using image correlation that addresses voids in the image as well as geometric distortion. To test this method, a pacemaker was imaged with gradient echo and spin echo sequences in a variety of orientations. The results show that a threshold correlation coefficient of 0.7 conservatively outlines the region comprised of void/distortion. This definition of the image artifact area facilitates improved clinical interpretation with reduced risk of false diagnosis.