Which technique would best eliminate the spectral Doppler artifact in this image?

The spectral Doppler image demonstrates excessive noise along the baseline, including a “fuzzy” or filled-in spectral window. This artifact is known as spectral broadening or “blossoming,” and it typically results from excessive Doppler gain.

When Doppler gain is set too high, it amplifies not only the true Doppler signal but also the background noise. This results in a falsely broadened waveform that can obscure diagnostic information such as peak velocities or flow turbulence. The best way to correct this artifact is to reduce the Doppler gain (Option A).

Key points regarding gain-related artifact:

Excessive gain exaggerates spectral display by amplifying weak signals and noise.

Reducing gain restores the clarity of the spectral window and accurate envelope definition.

The goal is to optimize gain just enough to see the real flow signals without cluttering the display.

Differentiation from other options:

B. Adjust baseline: Useful in avoiding aliasing but does not affect gain-related noise.

C. Increase wall filter: Removes low-frequency signals from vessel wall motion but not background spectral noise.

D. Increase pulse repetition frequency (PRF): Used to reduce aliasing in high-velocity flow, not to address gain-related spectral clutter.