B-mode artefacts relevant in rheumatological musculoskeletal ultrasound-impact on image interpretation and their diagnostic value

When performing ultrasound examinations, artefacts are a frequent challenge and cannot be eliminated completely. Understanding and recognizing artefacts are of utmost importance. This paper describes and explains the most commonly encountered B-mode artefacts in rheumatologically applied musculoskeletal (MSK) and vascular ultrasound particularly those which may have additional diagnostic value or often lead to misdiagnosis. Knowledge and understanding of artefacts provide more precise and uniform interpretations of the ultrasound examinations minimizing variability in findings and ensuring generalizability of research results.