What type of imaging distortion does pincushion artifact represent?

Pincushion artifact is characterized by a bowing outward of straight lines, which creates an effect resembling that of a pincushion. This artifact typically occurs in certain types of imaging systems, particularly in curved image receptors or screens, where the geometric distortion affects the linearity of the image. As a result, straight lines appear to curve outward towards the edges of the image rather than maintaining their straight appearance.

Understanding this phenomenon is essential for professionals in the field, as it can impact the diagnostic quality of images. Recognizing the appearance and cause of pincushion artifact allows radiologic technologists and radiologists to make informed decisions regarding image acquisition and processing, ensuring accurate interpretation of diagnostic images without being misled by distortion artifacts.