What does an echogenic structure appear as on ultrasound?

An echogenic structure on ultrasound appears bright or white due to the reflection of sound waves. This brightness indicates that the tissue or structure is able to reflect a significant portion of the ultrasound waves back to the transducer. Echogenicity is a key characteristic observed in ultrasound imaging, where different tissues display varying levels of echogenicity based on their composition and density.

For example, structures such as bones and gallstones exhibit high echogenicity, leading to a bright appearance on the ultrasound image. This contrasts with structures that are less dense or contain more liquid, which often appear darker or more shadowy, indicating they do not reflect sound waves as effectively. Understanding echogenicity is crucial for interpreting ultrasound images and assessing the nature of various tissues and potential abnormalities.