Discussion Patients with a longstanding history of thrombophlebitis and stasis varicositics arc predisposed to the development of blood clots and have a higher risk factor for the development of pulmonary embolus. This metallic umbrella filter is in place within the inferior vena cava to capture cmboli from the lower extremities in patients with thrombophlebitis. This metallic filter represents one of many radiographic artifacts that present in patients in peculiar places. Actually, the first radiograph ever taken had an artifact present, a metallic wedding ring on the patient's hand (the wife of the discoverer of X-ray) William Roentgen. Artifacts are a common cause of repeat radiographs; they often occur in unexpected places with many peculiar internal objects be- ing detected. Without a complete history, many unusual artifactual shadows cannot be adequately identified. Few textbooks deal with the radiographic appearance of artifacts. However, our textbook, Yochum and Rowe Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, has a separate chapter on the topic of radiographic artifacts.1 Dr. Terry R. Yochum is a second generation chiropractor ami a Cum Laudc Graduate of the National College of Chiropractic, where he subsequently completed his radiology residency. He is currently Director of the Rocky Mountain Chiropractic Radiological Center in Denver. Colorado, and Adjunct Professor of Radiology at the Southern California University of Health Sciences, as well as an instructor of skeletal radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Denver, CO. Dr. Yochum's 3"' edition textbook. Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, was released in the fall of 2004 and is now available for purchase. Dr. Yochu/n can be reached at 303-940-9400 or by e-mail at dcrad099(a)aol. com. Dr. CluulJ. Mania is a 1990 Magna Cum La tu/c Graduate of the National College of Chiropractic. Dr. Maola has co-authored five chapters in Dr. Yochum 's 3nl edition textbook ami is rendering post-graduate lectures with Dr. Yochum anil separately throughout the United States. Dr. Maola is a Chiropractic Orthopedist and is available for post-graduate seminars. He may be reached at i0i-6W-K50i or e-mail DC OKamsn.com. Reference 1. Yochum TR, Rowe LJ: Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, 3rd cd.. Chapter 16, Baltimore. MD, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 200?
