The mirror image artifact in medical ultrasound occurs when sound waves reflect off a strong, smooth reflector, like the diaphragm or pleura. This phenomenon creates a false, duplicate image of a structure appearing deeper than the real one, which is a common diagnostic pitfall. Recognizing this artifact is vital for accurate ultrasound interpretation, preventing misdiagnoses and ensuring optimal patient care in various medical and ultrasound applications.
Understanding and identifying mirror image artifacts is crucial for clinicians, especially in abdominal and thoracic scans, to differentiate between true pathology and imaging phenomena. Proper probe angulation and adjusting scan parameters can often mitigate its appearance, enhancing the reliability of ultrasound findings and improving diagnostic accuracy for medical professionals.
