The comet-tail artifact in ultrasound is a specific type of reverberation artifact, appearing as a series of closely spaced, bright, linear echoes extending downward from a highly reflective object. This artifact is often seen when sound waves encounter small, highly reflective structures like cholesterol crystals in the gallbladder or gas bubbles, causing the sound to reverberate within the object itself.
Understanding the comet-tail artifact is crucial in medical imaging and ultrasound diagnosis. Its presence can indicate various conditions, such as adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder or intraluminal gas, helping clinicians differentiate between pathologies. Recognizing this artifact is key for accurate interpretation of ultrasound images and preventing misdiagnosis in diverse clinical settings.
