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SONOGRAPHIC TERMINOLOGY

echogram / sonogram / sonogenic

Term used for an ultrasound scan (like “photogenic”).

echotexture

The echo pattern of a structure and may be smooth, coarse or mixed (varied).

echogenicity

The strength of the echoes in the image. May be mid level, high level or low level.

homogeneous

Uniform echogenicity or texture.

heterogeneous / inhomogeneous

Non-uniform echogenicity or texture.

anechoic / echolucent / sonolucent

Without internal echoes.

Sonodense

Does not transmit sound.

echogenic / hyperechoic

Comparative term for a structure that is more echogenic than another.

Hypoechoic / echopenic

Comparative term for a structure with fewer echoes than another.

isoechoic

Comparative term for the same echogenicity as surroundings.

cyst

A rounded / oval shaped fluid filled structure which is anechoic with smooth thin walls, good through transmission and often has edge shadow artefact.

cystic

Term often used for fluid filled structures; the structure is not necessarily a cyst.

complex

Mass with a variety of echoes within it; usually fluid and solid.

Fluid level

Interface between 2 fluids with different acoustic properties. Fluid levels may change with patient position.

regular

Refers to the smooth and regular margins of a structure.

irregular

Refers to the margins of a structure.

CG91 SONOGRAPHIC TERMINOLOGY LIST_2013

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SONOGRAPHIC TERMINOLOGY

Relativity of echogenicity When assessing the echogenicity of a structure the findings are compared to other structures and the normally expected findings of the structure being insonated. The main factors to keep in mind are:  

Each tissue typically has a particular echogenicity. There is a relative scale of echogenicity amongst most organs in the abdomen.

   

Organ echogenicity is comparative where one organ is compared to another. Imaging controls are not adjusted when comparing organ echogenicity. The liver is the main organ used for comparison as it is the dominant organ in the abdomen. In diseased states, the echogenicity of an organ may be altered and be more hyperechoic or hypoechoic than usual. These observations can help to recognise and categorise the type of disease process involved. Sound transmission is increased posterior to a cystic structure (posterior enhancement) and usually decreased posterior to a solid mass (shadowing), dependant on the acoustic properties of the tissue.

 

How to describe a structure When describing an abnormal ultrasonic structure the following list should be included in the description whenever possible and as appropriate. This ensures clear identification and description of the structure.         

Location Size Number Shape Echotexture Echogenicity Internal structure Walls of the structure Any effects on the surrounding structures (eg posterior enhancement, shadowing, compression, distortion)

CG91 SONOGRAPHIC TERMINOLOGY LIST_2013

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