What is fremitus?

What is fremitus?

• A. Doppler motion artifact caused from tissue motion / vibration.
• B. A measure of tissue density.
• C. A type of contrast agent.
• D. An artifact from patient motion.

Answer: (A)

Fremitus is a Doppler motion artifact caused by tissue motion or vibration during Doppler imaging. When tissue moves or vibrates periodically, it modulates the Doppler frequency shift being measured, creating a fluttering or shimmering appearance on the Doppler display that isn’t real blood flow. It’s not a measure of tissue density, nor a contrast agent. While general patient movement can cause artifacts, fremitus specifically refers to this Doppler-related artifact produced by tissue motion affecting the signal. Stabilizing the tissue or adjusting Doppler settings can reduce it and help reveal the true flow.

Fremitus is a Doppler motion artifact caused by tissue motion or vibration during Doppler imaging. When tissue moves or vibrates periodically, it modulates the Doppler frequency shift being measured, creating a fluttering or shimmering appearance on the Doppler display that isn’t real blood flow. It’s not a measure of tissue density, nor a contrast agent. While general patient movement can cause artifacts, fremitus specifically refers to this Doppler-related artifact produced by tissue motion affecting the signal. Stabilizing the tissue or adjusting Doppler settings can reduce it and help reveal the true flow.