Computed radiography image artifacts revisited

Computed radiography (CR) has provided a ready cost-effective transition from screen film to digital radiography and a convenient entrance to PACS. This article revisits artifacts encountered in CR systems. These artifacts may obscure abnormalities, mimic a clinical entity, or hamper image quality. With the new-generation CR systems, software- and hardware-related artifacts have decreased, making operator errors more evident. The purpose of this study is to establish the current trend of CR artifacts and the new facets in identifying and resolving problems quickly that will help prevent future occurrences. This article also brings to light the importance of constant review required of this extensively studied topic to avoid diagnostic misadventures.