Question

Which of the following would decrease the effects of beam hardening artifacts?

1) increased kVp
2) increased mAs
3) increased scan time

Answer 1

To reduce beam hardening artifacts in CT scans, increasing the kilovoltage peak (kVp) is the most effective method among the options provided, as it produces higher energy photons less prone to differential absorption, which causes the artifact. Increasing mAs is not directly related to reducing beam hardening, and increasing scan time does not impact it and may unnecessarily increase patient dose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the reduction of beam hardening artifacts in medical imaging, specifically computed tomography (CT) scans. Beam hardening artifacts occur when lower energy photons are preferentially absorbed, leaving higher energy photons to penetrate the imaged object, which can lead to image distortions.

To decrease the effects of beam hardening artifacts, one can:

1. Increase kVp: By increasing the kilovoltage peak (kVp), higher energy photons are produced, which are less susceptible to absorption and therefore reduce beam hardening.
2. Increasing the mAs (milliampere-seconds): This increases the number of photons in the beam, which can improve image quality, but it may not necessarily reduce beam hardening artifacts.
3. Increase scan time: This generally does not affect beam hardening artifacts and may lead to increased patient dose without improved image quality.

Therefore, the most effective method from the given options to reduce beam hardening artifacts would be to increase kVp. This approach helps in creating a uniform beam capable of penetrating through different densities without significant absorption disparities.