Imaging Sci Dent.  2016 Mar;46(1):63-68. 10.5624/isd.2016.46.1.63.

Formation of ghost images due to metal objects on the surface of the patient's face: A pictorial essay

• Ramos BC
• da Silva Izar BR
• Pereira JL
• Souza PS
• Valerio CS
• Tuji FM
• Manzi FR

• KMID: 2160160
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2016.46.1.63

Abstract

Panoramic radiographs are a relatively simple technique that is commonly used in all dental specialties. In panoramic radiographs, in addition to the formation of real images of metal objects, ghost images may also form, and these ghost images can hinder an accurate diagnosis and interfere with the accuracy of radiology reports. Dentists must understand the formation of these images in order to avoid making incorrect radiographic diagnoses. Therefore, the present study sought to present a study of the formation of panoramic radiograph ghost images caused by metal objects in the head and neck region of a dry skull, as well as to report a clinical case n order to warn dentists about ghost images and to raise awareness thereof. An understanding of the principles of the formation of ghost images in panoramic radiographs helps prevent incorrect diagnoses.

Keyword

Panoramic Radiography; X-ray diagnosis; X-ray image; Body Piercing

MeSH Terms

Body Piercing
Dentists
Diagnosis
Head
Humans
Neck
Radiography, Panoramic
Skull
Specialties, Dental

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The diagram shows zones 1A and 1B (formation of one image), zone 2 (formation of two images), and zone 3 (formation of three images).

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  Fig. 2 A panoramic radiograph with a metal sphere attached in the region where the right mandibular first molar is missing (zone 1A) shows a single real image of the metal sphere.

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  Fig. 3 A panoramic radiograph with a metal sphere attached in the region of the crown of the right maxillary third molar (zone 2) shows two images: one real ipsilateral image and one contralateral ghost image.

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  Fig. 4 A panoramic radiograph with a metal sphere attached in the region of the right earlobe (zone 2) shows two images: one real ipsilateral image and one distorted contralateral ghost image.

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  Fig. 5 A panoramic radiograph with a metal sphere attached in the region of the hyoid bone (zone 3) shows two real and bilateral images (mandibular angle region) and one ghost image in the center of the image receptor.

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  Fig. 6 A. A panoramic radiograph shows a radiopaque band overlapping the periapical region of the right maxillary molars, premolars, and canine. Additionally, a voluminous metal restoration is observed in the occlusal region of the left maxillary third molar. B. A lateral cephalometric radiograph shows that no other metal object is present in the head.

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  Fig. 7 This illustration shows the production of standard panoramic images. The image receptor and X-ray source rotate around the patient's head. During the exposure cycle, the center of rotation of the X-ray beam changes position.

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