Spike (herringbone) artifact in MRI
A criss-cross pattern over the whole image comes from one bad data point. Find out whether it is the room or the scanner.
Spike (herringbone)
Regular diagonal or criss-cross stripes over the whole image, in one or several slices.
One or more corrupted points in k-space from an electrical discharge: static electricity (low humidity, blankets, clothing), a loose connection, or a failing component.
- Repeat the sequence
- Check room humidity and coil connections
- If it recurs, record the series and call service
None beyond the repeat time.
This page is one entry from the MRI Technologist Reference
The full reference has 31 protocols, 9 dynamic study timelines, 19 artifacts, 16 scanner problems and 15 safety topics, as a PDF in English and Arabic plus an interactive tool.
Educational reference. It does not replace your site protocols, the radiologist's instructions, the MR safety officer, or the manufacturer's instructions for any implant, device or contrast agent. Parameter values are typical starting points at 1.5 T and must be adapted to the scanner, coil and patient.