What is the term for the anechoic appearance of fluid-filled structures in ultrasound?

The term "cystic" is used to describe an anechoic appearance of fluid-filled structures in ultrasound imaging. Structures that are described as cystic typically exhibit uniform low echogenicity due to the presence of fluid, which does not reflect sound waves well, resulting in a dark or anechoic appearance on the ultrasound image. This characteristic is important in distinguishing cystic lesions from solid masses, which may have varying echogenicity and reflectivity.

In ultrasound practice, recognizing cystic structures is crucial because it helps in diagnosing various conditions, including benign cysts and certain pathology-related fluid collections. The clear, anechoic nature of a cystic appearance aids sonographers in assessing and documenting findings accurately during examinations.