Explain what happens during acoustic enhancement in ultrasound imaging, and provide an example of a structure that might cause it.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of acoustic enhancement in ultrasound imaging, which includes describing the phenomenon and providing an example of a specific structure that causes it.
Answer
Acoustic enhancement is increased echo intensity behind structures like cysts due to reduced attenuation.
Acoustic enhancement in ultrasound imaging refers to increased echoes beyond structures that transmit sound well, like fluid-filled structures (e.g., cysts or the gallbladder), due to reduced attenuation. This causes an area of increased brightness on the ultrasound image.
Answer for screen readers
Acoustic enhancement in ultrasound imaging refers to increased echoes beyond structures that transmit sound well, like fluid-filled structures (e.g., cysts or the gallbladder), due to reduced attenuation. This causes an area of increased brightness on the ultrasound image.
More Information
Acoustic enhancement occurs when the ultrasound waves pass through a region that attenuates sound less effectively than surrounding tissues. It is a useful artifact for identifying fluid-filled structures and helps differentiate cystic from solid masses.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing acoustic enhancement with acoustic shadowing, which occurs due to sound attenuation by dense structures. Understanding the nature of the structure's composition is essential.
Sources
- Acoustic enhancement | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org - radiopaedia.org
- Ultrasound Imaging Artifacts | MXR Imaging - mxrimaging.com
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