Acoustic dispersing lenses cause artifactual discontinuities in B-mode ultrasonograms

Artifacts as disruptions and duplications of the diaphragm, gallbladder wall, posterior wall of the left ventricle, etc., are often seen in B-mode ultrasound examinations. To identify their cause, in vitro experiments were carried out. These investigations showed that these artifacts are caused by acoustic dispersing lenses. In vivo they are due to rib cartilage and in vitro they can be reproduced by introducing an acryl lens into the sound field.