Why are eddy currents considered problematic in MRI?

Prepare for the ASMIRT MRI Accreditation Test with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and in-depth explanations. Get familiar with exam format and content, ensuring your success!

Eddy currents are induced electrical currents that occur in conductive materials when exposed to a changing magnetic field, which is a common occurrence during MRI imaging due to the rapidly switching gradient fields. These currents can create their own magnetic fields that oppose the original magnetic field, leading to a distortion in the gradient waveform. This distortion can result in issues such as image blurring, shifts in spatial encoding, and reduced overall image quality.

By distorting the gradient waveform, eddy currents can complicate the precise control required in MRI to accurately depict the anatomy or pathology being imaged. Therefore, understanding the implications of eddy currents is vital for maintaining image integrity and ensuring that the MRI system is calibrated to minimize their impact on the acquired images.

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