Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam 2026 - Free CT Technologist Practice Questions and Study Guide

Edge gradient effects in computed tomography are primarily caused by irregularly shaped objects. This phenomenon occurs when the X-ray beam interacts with objects having sharp boundaries or irregular contours, leading to a variation in attenuation. As the beam passes through different types of materials or tissues, the density differences create gradients at the edges, which can produce an increase in contrast at those boundaries. This heightened contrast allows for better visualization of structures but can also lead to artifacts in the images if not correctly managed.

On the other hand, homogeneous tissues would not cause such effects, as they provide a uniform attenuation profile throughout, lacking the sharp changes that lead to significant edge gradients. Excessive radiation dose and high mAs values relate more to image quality and patient safety rather than specifically impacting edge gradient effects, as they do not directly influence the interaction of the X-ray beam with the shape of the object being imaged.