Module 2.2 : Pelvic Sonographic Descriptors

Question 1

Anechoic

Answer 1

Echo free appearance

• bladder = compare to cysts

Question 2

Echogenic

Answer 2

• produces echoes
• basis of comparing hyper and hypo
• hyperechoic
• hypoechoic

Question 3

Hyperechoic

Answer 3

Echoes that are brighter than normal or brighter than normal or brighter than adjacent structures

-endometrium compared to myometrium

Question 4

Hypoechoic

Answer 4

Structures that are not as bright as normal or less bright than adjacent structures

-fibroid compared to myometrium

Question 5

Isoechoic / isosonic

Answer 5

Structures with the same relative echodensity

• liver and kidney cortex

Question 6

Heterogeneous

Answer 6

Refers to and uneven echo pattern or reflections of varying echo densities

• kidney

Question 7

Homogeneous

Answer 7

Refers to an even echo pattern of reflections that are relative and uniform in composition

• normal myometrium

Question 8

Cystic

Answer 8

ALL of these characteristics

• anechoic
• through transmission
• smooth walls
• round
• ovarian cyst

Question 9

Quasi-cystic

Answer 9

Appears cystic but misses THROUGH ENHANCEMENT due to small reflector echoes

• foam cyst of breast

Question 10

Solid

Answer 10

Feeds to a structure or medium that is echogenic - contains echoes
Often attenuated the sound and causes a posterior shadow

-fibroids

Question 11

Shadow

Answer 11

Refers to an area where no or little reflection is obtained, the area obscured

-IUCD

Question 12

Enhancement

Answer 12

Refers to an area where there is little attenuation of sound
Good sound transmission
Behind appears clearer and brighter because it is better visualized

• behind urinary bladder