Zipper artifact and RF interference in MRI
A dotted line across the image usually means outside RF is getting into the room. Check these things before calling service.
Zipper / RF interference
A dashed line of alternating bright and dark dots across the image, usually along the phase direction at a fixed frequency position.
Outside radio-frequency signal reaches the receiver: scan room door not fully closed, monitoring or anesthesia equipment, a damaged RF shield, or a flickering light.
- Close the door fully and rescan
- Remove or switch off non-essential electronic equipment in the room
- If it persists with the room empty, call service: door seals or shield
None for the image. Record when it happens: a recurring zipper is a quality-control finding.
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.