Which terms describe tissue with bright intensity on ultrasound?

• A. Hyperechoic and Echogenic
• B. Hypoechoic
• C. Isoechoic
• D. Anechoic

Answer: (A)

Bright intensity on ultrasound comes from tissue that reflects a lot of the sound waves, producing strong echoes. When tissue is brighter than the surrounding tissues, it is described as hyperechoic, and it is also referred to as echogenic because it generates noticeable echoes. These terms specifically indicate high reflectivity, which is why they’re the best description for bright tissue on an ultrasound image. In contrast, tissues that are darker than their surroundings are hypoechoic, tissues with the same brightness as surrounding tissue are isoechoic, and completely black areas (no echoes) are anechoic.