What is the drawback of applying edge enhancement to a digital image?

Applying edge enhancement techniques to a digital image is primarily aimed at improving the visibility of edges and fine details within that image. However, one significant drawback of this technique is the increased visibility of noise, which can occur as a byproduct of enhancing the edges.

When edge enhancement is applied, the contrast at the borders of structures in the image is heightened, making them more distinct. Unfortunately, this process can also amplify any existing noise present in the image, making it more pronounced and potentially distracting from the underlying anatomical structures. Increased noise can lead to misinterpretation, as it may obscure relevant details or mimic pathological conditions.

While the other options relate to aspects such as spatial resolution or processing time, the primary concern with edge enhancement is its tendency to magnify noise, thus impacting the overall quality and diagnostic utility of the image. Maintaining a balance between enhancement and noise management is crucial to ensure that image quality is preserved.