Ghost Image
A spurious, magnified, and blurred duplicate of a radiopaque structure appearing on a panoramic radiograph on the opposite side and at a higher level than the real object.
Full Definition
Ghost images arise in panoramic (OPG) radiography when a radiopaque object—such as an earring, cervical spine, or metallic prosthesis—is located within the path of the X-ray beam and projects a secondary, distorted image onto the film or sensor on the contralateral side. The ghost image is characteristically less defined, larger, and positioned superior to the true image. Editors working on radiology reports must ensure that a ghost image is not described as a genuine anatomical or pathological finding. The term is always written as two words ('ghost image') and should not be hyphenated. Awareness of ghost image artefacts is essential for accurate reporting and is a common examination topic in dental radiology assessments.
Usage
Usage note: Always two words, no hyphen. Distinguish clearly from a genuine radiographic finding when editing reports.
In Context
- "The radiologist noted that the apparent lesion on the right ramus was, in fact, a ghost image of the cervical spine." — Panoramic radiograph report
- "Removal of metallic jewellery before imaging reduces the risk of a ghost image obscuring diagnostic detail." — Patient preparation protocol