Imaging Sci Dent.  2014 Mar;44(1):81-84. 10.5624/isd.2014.44.1.81.

Gold-wire artifacts on diagnostic radiographs: A case report

• Keestra JA
• Jacobs R
• Quirynen M

• KMID: 1974478
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2014.44.1.81

Abstract

This report described a case in which diagnostic radiographs showed irregular dense radiopaque strings and curved lines in the head and neck area. These artifacts could lead to misinterpretation since they may obscure anatomical structures and/or mask critical structures/pathologies. A more detailed history of the patient indicated that these strings originated from a facelift procedure in which a gold-wire technique was used. Considering that such intervention may cause a radiodiagnostic burden, it should be included in the anamnesis prior to radiography.

Keyword

Radiography; Artifacts; Rhytidoplasty; Surgery, Plastic

MeSH Terms

Artifacts*
Head
Humans
Masks
Neck
Radiography
Rhytidoplasty
Surgery, Plastic

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Photographs show a 76-year-old patient who presented with normal facial skin, with only few wrinkles on the cheek.

• 

  Fig. 2 Intraoral radiographs of the posterior part of the first quadrant show irregular strings and curved lines of a dense radiopaque material.

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  Fig. 3 A panoramic image shows irregular dense radiopaque strings on the left and the right side. The periodontal and peri-implant tissues seem healthy.

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  Fig. 4 A. A coronal cone-beam computed tomography image, on the position of the second premolar, clearly highlights the radiopaque structures in the left and the right cheek, lateral to the buccinator and masseter muscles. B. A three-dimensional reconstruction image clearly visualizes the gold wires, besides the artifacts caused by the implants and partial bridges.

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