Physical damage to the structure of a computed radiography (CR) image receptor is most likely to manifest on a radiograph as which artifact?

• A. Geometric distortion
• B. Hyperdense artifact
• C. Loss of spatial resolution
• D. Loss of contrast

Answer: (B)

Physical damage to the CR image receptor alters how the plate stores and releases the latent image, creating irregularities in the phosphor layer. Scratches, cracks, or delamination produce localized areas that respond abnormally during laser scanning, which shows up as bright, dense spots on the final image. These bright areas are hyperdense artifacts caused by the damaged regions not behaving like the surrounding intact plate.

Geometric distortion comes from misalignment or beam geometry, not the receptor’s integrity. Loss of spatial resolution would appear as blurred detail rather than discrete bright spots. Loss of contrast relates to exposure or processing issues, not physical damage to the plate.