CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Why is shorter scan times important in cardiac imaging?

1. To increase resolution of the image

2. To avoid motion artifacts

3. To enhance contrast media absorption

4. To facilitate patient comfort

The correct answer is: To avoid motion artifacts

In cardiac imaging, shorter scan times are critical primarily to avoid motion artifacts. The heart is continuously beating, and any movement during the imaging process can lead to blurring and distortions in the final images. The dynamic nature of cardiac motion necessitates rapid imaging techniques so that the images capture the heart at specific points in its cycle, preferably when the motion is minimal. This enables clearer visualization of cardiac structures and function, significantly enhancing the diagnostic quality of the results. While other factors, such as image resolution and patient comfort, are important in radiography, they are not as directly impacted by scan time as the risk of motion artifacts. Ensuring the heart is captured effectively within its limited motion range is paramount, making shorter scan times a fundamental aspect of high-quality cardiac imaging.