In sonography, what does hyperechoic refer to?

Hyperechoic refers to areas in ultrasound imaging that produce a brighter or lighter appearance compared to the surrounding tissues. This brightness occurs because hyperechoic tissues reflect more ultrasound waves, resulting in a stronger echo. Such tissues often include structures that are denser, such as bone or some types of solid tumors. The lighter shade indicates that the area is favorable for clear visualization, and understanding this term is crucial for interpreting ultrasound images correctly.

The other terms commonly used in sonography, such as hypoechoic (darker than the surrounding tissue) and isoechoic (similar to surrounding tissue), emphasize the differences in echo patterns that help sonographers analyze and diagnose conditions based on the nature of various tissues. Fluid-filled structures are typically described as anechoic, meaning they do not reflect ultrasound waves and thus appear black on the images. Hence, the definition of hyperechoic directly correlates with the contrast in echogenicity in sonography.