Ghost Artefact
A spurious radiopaque shadow appearing on a panoramic radiograph, produced by a dense structure on the opposite side of the patient being projected above the midline plane.
Full Definition
Ghost artefacts arise in panoramic radiography when a radiopaque structure—such as a cervical vertebra, earring, or metallic restoration—passes through the X-ray beam and is projected onto the image layer on the opposite and superior side of the original object. The ghost image is typically larger, less distinct, and higher than the causative object. Editors must note that 'ghost artefact' is distinct from 'ghost image' (which may refer to a broader class of superimpositions) and should verify that authors specify the type of artefact and its likely cause when documenting image quality in research. The British English spelling 'artefact' is preferred in UK and Australian clinical publications, while 'artifact' is standard in American English; consistency with journal style is required.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'artefact' (British) or 'artifact' (American) consistently per house style. Identify the causative structure when describing ghost artefacts in clinical reports.
In Context
- "A ghost artefact from the patient's metallic cervical spine implant was superimposed over the right ramus, partially obscuring the condylar region." — Panoramic radiograph quality assessment report
- "The author used 'artifact' throughout; the editor standardised to 'artefact' in accordance with the British journal's house style." — Copy-editing note