What causes ghost images to appear blurred and magnified on panoramic images?

• A. They are far from the receptor
• B. They are near the receptor
• C. They occur on the same side as the real image
• D. They are out of focus due to patient movement

Answer: (A)

In panoramic imaging, the size and sharpness of a projection depend on how far the object is from the receptor. A dense structure that lies far from the detector creates a projection that is more magnified and less sharp when it appears on the opposite side of the film. That distance-induced magnification and blur is what produces the ghost image, which is typically seen on the side opposite the real object. If the object were close to the receptor, its projection would be smaller and crisper. Movement can cause blur too, but the characteristic magnified, blurred ghost image specifically stems from the object being far from the receptor.