The mirror vessel artifact is a common ultrasound phenomenon where a duplicate, false image of a blood vessel or other highly reflective structure appears on the opposite side of a strong reflector, such as the diaphragm or pleura. This occurs when sound waves encounter the strong reflector, are bounced back and forth between the reflector and the vessel, and then return to the transducer. The ultrasound machine misinterprets these delayed echoes as originating from a deeper structure, creating the illusion of a second, mirrored vessel.
Recognizing the mirror vessel artifact is crucial in medical ultrasound to avoid misdiagnosis, particularly in abdominal and thoracic imaging. Its presence helps sonographers differentiate between true anatomical structures and imaging aberrations, ensuring accurate interpretation for patient care. Understanding this artifact is vital for proper diagnostic imaging and effective ultrasound interpretation.