What is the primary effect of anatomy extending outside the Selected Field of View (SFOV)?

The primary effect of anatomy extending outside the Selected Field of View (SFOV) is the introduction of out-of-field artifacts. When structures that are not included within the SFOV are imaged, they can lead to unexpected alterations in the image quality. These artifacts arise because the CT system does not process the data from these out-of-field structures the same way as it does with the anatomy included in the SFOV. As a result, the system can display distortions or other visual anomalies that do not accurately represent the area of interest being scanned. Understanding this effect is crucial for CT technologists as it can beeinfl influence the interpretation of the images and possibly affect diagnostic accuracy.

In contrast, increased pixel density relates to the amount of data captured per unit area, which is not directly linked to the SFOV. Similarly, reduced image contrast pertains to the difference in density between structures, an aspect influenced more by imaging settings than by anatomy outside the SFOV. Improved spatial resolution refers to the detail within the scanned image, which again is not a direct result of out-of-field anatomy. The relationship between SFOV and out-of-field artifacts is crucial for ensuring optimal imaging practices in CT.