Contrast Leak on CT Detector Creates Stroke-Mimicking Artifact

Contrast leaked onto CT detector created peripheral dark artifacts mimicking stroke on cranial exams. Confirmed via phantom; radiologists must recognize this scanner-based artifact for quality control and to avoid misdiagnosis.

• Peripheral dark attenuation defects on cranial CT can be caused by contrast material on the detector panel.
• Phantom scanning confirmed the artifact source, emphasizing the need for quality control.
• Recognition of uncommon scanner-based artifacts is essential to prevent misdiagnosis of acute infarction.

Automated summary

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