The ghost artifact

Abstract

A ghost artifact is produced when refraction of an ultrasound beam occurs in one part of a scanning plane. Image duplication or even triplication may result. This may lead to error of diagnosis and measurement. Ghost artifacts are commonly seen in transverse echograms of pelvic organs because the rectus muscle interposed between the transducer and the area of interest is acting as a lens and refracts the ultrasound beam. Three illustrative case reports are presented.

PIP: A ghost artifact is produced when refraction of an ultrasound beam occurs in 1 part of a scanning plane. Image duplication or even triplication may result, leading possibly to an error of diagnosis and measurement. Ghost artifacts are commonly seen in transverse echograms of pelvic organs because the rectus muscle interposed between the transducer and the area of interest is acting as a lens and refracts the ultrasound beam. 3 illustrative case reports are presented.