The artifact known as cross-talk can be corrected by adjusting which parameter?

• A. Repetition time
• B. Phase encoding
• C. Slice interval
• D. Frequency bandwidth

Answer: (C)

Cross-talk artifact occurs in magnetic resonance imaging when signals from adjacent slices interfere with each other, leading to the introduction of artifacts in the images. This is commonly seen when multiple slices are acquired in quick succession without adequate spacing. The correct method for minimizing or correcting cross-talk is to adjust the slice interval, which refers to the distance or time between adjacent slices.

By increasing the slice interval, you allow more time for the magnetization of adjacent slices to return to equilibrium, reducing the chance of overlap or interference between the signals of neighboring slices. This helps to produce clearer images without the artifacts caused by cross-talk. Adjusting sequence parameters like repetition time, phase encoding, or frequency bandwidth does not directly address the interference between adjacent slices in the way that altering slice interval does. Adjustments in these parameters might improve other aspects of image quality or timing but are not the primary solution to cross-talk issues.