Pancreas contours fuzzy uneven echogenicity increased. Why does echogenicity increase in the pancreas? Change in the structure of the gallbladder

Term increased echogenicity used for ultrasound. Using the sensor, ultrasound is recorded, which reflects the state of the pancreatic tissues. Each organ has its own density. Echogenicity may be homogeneous or vice versa. When the density of the pancreas increases, echogenicity increases. Ultrasound cannot reflect fluid, it lets it through, this indicates echonegativity. Anechogenic fluid structures include hemorrhage, cyst.

Causes of increased echogenicity of the pancreas

Echogenicity is the ability of glandular tissues to reflect the frequency of ultrasound. Echogenicity is described when the number of cells in the tissues of the pancreas decreases, due to the liquid, echogenicity decreases.

Echogenicity increases in the tissues of the pancreas, on ultrasound this is an indicator of the pathological process.

When the pancreas is of normal size, its echogenicity increases, this indicates liver density. Most often, echogenicity increases:

1. Due to glandular lipomatosis, in which fat cells can replace glandular tissue, in which the cells do not contain fluid. The pancreas is not enlarged. The disease has no characteristic symptoms.

2. Because of the swelling of the pancreas. At the same time they are worried pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea.

3. In cases malignant tumor Ultrasound shows increased echogenicity, while the following symptoms are observed: a person loses weight dramatically, weakens, the skin is pale, the stool is disturbed, problems with appetite arise.

4. Due to pancreatic necrosis, in which the cells in the pancreas begin to die. On ultrasound, the area is clarified. When the disease occurs, severe pain in the abdomen, some may develop pain shock, after is violated general state health, worries severe vomiting, may disturb persistent diarrhea.

5. In a case in which you are worried intense thirst in the heat, when a person is actively working, abundant and frequent urination, they become more frequent at night.

6. Due to fibrosis, when it appears in the gland a large number of connective tissues. Fibrosis is formed as a result of the inflammatory process, due to problems with metabolism. A person may be disturbed by an unstable stool, pain in the abdomen. Ultrasound not only increases echogenicity, reduces tuberosity, the size of the gland.

Temporary increase in echogenicity in the pancreas

1. Due to a reactive inflammatory process in an infectious disease.

2. With the flu.

3. In case of pneumonia.

4. Due to meningococcal infection.

5. After a heavy meal.

6. If a person has changed his lifestyle.

7. Echogenicity can increase in autumn, spring, when the immune system is weakened.

Local type of increased echogenicity

After a person has transferred acute pancreatitis a large number of pseudocysts may form. In the disease, the pancreas has an uneven contour, is jagged.

Also, echogenicity may increase due to calcifications, which are the result of an inflammatory chronic process. When a person abuses fatty foods. Subsequently, with pancreatic necrosis, fibrous areas may appear, they occur after scar tissue.

Echogenicity in the pancreas increases if a large number of stones, cysts, fibroses form in the ducts, with metastatic tumors.

Treatment of increased echogenicity

The course of therapy is prescribed by a gastroenterologist, with the help of ultrasound, you can find out the cause.

1. In cases of acute pancreatitis, special drugs are used that can reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach area, which negatively affects the state of the pancreas.

2. With increased echogenicity due to lipomatosis, a diet is prescribed, in which there should be as little animal fat as possible.

3. In case of calcification, fibrosis, cysts, stones, surgery may be prescribed.

4. treated with special preparations, it is necessary to follow a diet.

With acute and chronic pancreatitis hospitalization may be required. Due to acute pancreatitis, severe pain occurs under the left rib, they are encircling, and can radiate to the back. Because of them, nausea, vomiting, strong worries. The pressure may drop. If the disease worsens, intravenous drugs, droppers. AT running case operation.

The course of therapy must necessarily take place in the complex. Increased echogenicity indicates serious illness that needs urgent treatment. It is often an indicator of a malignant tumor that occurs in the endocrine part of the pancreas. Most often occurs in men 60 years old, while there is sharp pain in the stomach, the person loses weight. In this situation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are necessary.

Sometimes echogenicity may increase due to cystadenocarcinoma. When it first appears pain at the top of the abdomen, then it hurts to touch. There are other endocrine tumors, which can lead to death.

So, after an ultrasound, you can find out what is the density of the pancreas. In case of decreased or increased echogenicity, an additional course of therapy must be completed to clarify the diagnosis. Most often, the indicator rises if there is inflammatory process and fibrosis is formed, this happens if the metabolic processes. Also when healthy tissue is replaced by fat. During acute pancreatitis, the inflammatory process negatively affects the density of the parenchyma. Most of all ultrasonic energy will be absorbed in malignant and benign tumors. At increased rates it is urgent to take measures, additionally examine the pancreas, undergo the necessary course of treatment.

Diagnostic studies conducted through ultrasound examination internal organs can tell a lot.

In most cases, the main criterion for assessing the state of internal organs is their echogenicity.

On the basis of an increase or decrease in this indicator, one can judge the processes taking place in the organs, as well as find ways to address negative changes. So, if the echogenicity of the pancreas is increased, only a qualified specialist can understand what it is.

Such an aspect as echogenicity is one of the most significant in the course of ultrasound diagnostics. It can be high, low, local and diffuse, and patients of diagnosticians do not always understand what is being said in the extract.

Echogenicity is the ability of tissues to reflect various radiations and impulses. This property is inherent in all materials without exception, including living tissues and internal organs.

During an ultrasound examination, the internal organs, in particular the pancreas, are processed by pulses, which, reflected from the tissues of the organ, are displayed as a bitmap on the monitor of the device. Based on the resulting “drawing”, the specialist can draw conclusions about the change in the density of individual tissue sections.

On the monitor of the ultrasound machine, the echogenicity of the pancreas is represented by a gray scale, which changes shades depending on the reflectivity of the organ. In addition, echogenicity readings may vary depending on the settings of the diagnostic equipment and possible interference.

An ultrasound picture of the pancreas

In diagnostic practice, there are several types of echogenicity:

low - looks like a dark or black spot on the monitor;
medium - displayed as a light area;
high - looks like a lighter than normal part of the organ.

The echogenicity of the pancreas on ultrasound (increased or decreased) is determined by comparison with echogenicity healthy liver.

Causes and factors of changes in echogenicity

Changes in the echogenicity of the pancreas can cause some pathological processes that involve the parenchyma of the organ, its ducts and blood vessels.

Most often, such changes are visible during ultrasound diagnostics in the following pathologies:

calcification of pancreatic tissue;
the presence of a tumor in the organ;
inflammation (pancreatitis);
lipomatosis (replacement of normal gland tissues with fat);
necrosis of the parenchyma.

All these changes, with rare exceptions, are clearly visible on the monitor of the ultrasound machine. However, even the presence of visual signs of increased echogenicity does not indicate pathologies.

Deviation from the norm - always a disease?

No specialist will judge the state of the pancreas only by changes in echogenicity. This indicator in most cases is just an excuse for a deeper examination of the state of the organ.

The following indicators are taken into account:

the presence of complaints in the patient;
deviations from the norm in the analysis of feces;
changes in blood counts;
Increasing the size of the pancreas in general and much more.

Based on the information obtained during a deeper examination, the doctor can draw up a clearer clinical picture and appoint adequate treatment if it is really needed.

Echogenicity is increased: what does it mean?

An increase in the echogenicity of the pancreas indicates the presence in the organ of formations and areas that are more dense in structure:

localized fatty inclusions, which may indicate pancreatic lipomatosis;
foci of inflammation indicative of acute or chronic pancreatitis;
sclerosis of the ducts of the gland, which indicates age-related changes in the organ.

Also, an increase in the echogenicity of the pancreas may indicate the presence of fibrosis in the organ, that is, the replacement of the parenchyma of the organ with connective tissue. Such a pathology is noted with long-term chronic pancreatitis.

Among other things, the increase in echogenicity may be temporary. Most often, a similar picture is observed in violation of the principles healthy eating: with regular consumption of spicy and fatty foods, smoked meats and spices, which greatly “load” the pancreas.

In diseases of the pancreas, treatment is most often prescribed drug treatment. includes taking antacids, enzymes and other means.

How to treat the liver and pancreas, and how to recognize the disease, read.

Pancreatic diseases are most common in men over 30 years of age. The link is all about the symptoms of pancreatic pathologies in males.

Diagnostic algorithm of examination

Specialists in ultrasound diagnostics adhere to a single algorithm for examining the pancreas. It is in comparison overall indicator echogenicity of the organ in comparison with neighboring ones - the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and spleen.

The essence of such a scheme is the possibility of changes in other organs, which may lead to a distortion overall picture, or a real change in some parameters: density, surface structure and parenchyma.

Echoes of pancreatic cancer

Differential diagnosis, that is, examination of all interrelated bodies abdominal cavity, allows you to get reliable data and decide on therapy.

Diffuse and local echogenicity

In diagnostic practice, in addition to other indicators of pancreatic echogenicity, an important role is played by whether diffuse or local changes occur in an individual case. These two terms can mean various states organ, and therefore must be taken into account when making a primary diagnosis.

Diffuse, that is, a widespread increase in echogenicity, may indicate a large-scale change in pancreatic tissue that occurs in the following cases:

with lipomatosis - there are no pronounced symptoms, the subject does not need therapy;
with pancreatitis in the acute stage - the symptomatology consists in a change in stool, pain in the abdomen, the patient is sick;
in the formation of a tumor or a benign neoplasm, the symptoms are expressed in gas formation, impaired stool and a general deterioration in the patient's condition.

Also, a diffuse increase in echogenicity is recorded in the presence of mild diseases and conditions in the treatment of diseases and conditions: with a cold, a violation of the diet, and the like.

A local increase in echogenicity is characterized by a change in this indicator in limited areas of the pancreas.

depending on the presence additional symptoms and signs, the diagnostician may suggest the presence of the following pathologies:

pseudocystic formations (an additional sign of pathology is an uneven, as if jagged contour of an organ);
fat deposition (observed in the presence of obesity in the patient);
stones in the ducts of the organ (an additional sign is persistent indigestion, acute unbearable pain in the hypochondrium);
metastases (detected in the presence of cancerous tumor another abdominal organ in stages 3 and 4).

The changes described above cannot be used as the only source of information about the problem of the organ.

If any type of change in echogenicity is detected, differential diagnosis is necessary.

Treatment of gland dysfunctions

Therapy for any change in the echogenicity of the pancreas is made depending on the totality of factors and the diagnosis. In most cases, it is based on preparations with natural or synthetic enzymes. They help reduce the load on the organ or temporarily play its role for better assimilation nutrients from the food received. In addition, antispasmodics may be needed to reduce discomfort and pain.

An additional means of eliminating problems with the pancreas is a strict diet, which implies the rejection of alcohol, heavy and fatty foods, fried and smoked foods.

Preference in the first day after the onset of the disease should be given to alkaline mineral water. As the condition improves, it is necessary to introduce vegetables and lean meat into the menu, always in boiled form.

It is the diet that accounts for the main part of the treatment, because most often pancreatic diseases are somehow associated with nutritional errors.

In some cases, when we are talking about large-scale changes in the tissues of the organ or the presence of neoplasms on it, the doctor may suggest surgical intervention. In most cases, it is carried out using minimally invasive methods, which allows you to quickly go through the recovery period.

Diseases of the liver and pancreas are not always inflammatory or necrotic in nature. - one of possible deviations in the work of organs. Details about this disease read on the site.

What does echogenicity of the pancreas mean?

Doctor's recommendations

Echogenicity refers to the ability of tissues certain bodies display ultrasonic waves. Human organisms have a homogeneous structure, which allows ultrasound waves to easily pass during the examination, but in some cases such waves will not be reflected well, and this will be called the parenchyma, with all the ensuing consequences.

When examining an organ such as the pancreas, the waves will be well reflected from its surface, and thanks to this, the specialist can determine whether or not. In addition, thanks to this state, it will be possible to determine how much the density of the organ has changed.
If during the ultrasound the doctor wrote that the pancreas has a special diagnosis, then this means that everything is normal. At diagnosis medium degree, this will mean that the pancreas has a homogeneous structure. With the diagnosis of a mixed form of the disease of the gland, it will be possible to state that the pancreas has a heterogeneous structure.

Increased echogenicity

If an increased echogenicity is diagnosed, then such a conclusion will indicate the presence of serious problems in the pancreas. Among such problems may be pancreatitis, neoplasms. In order to confirm this conclusion, it will be necessary to go through a series of additional surveys. In addition, you will need to do a second ultrasound.

What can be the echogenicity of the pancreas

severe pain in a stomach

Parenchyma or other changes in the pancreas may look like seals that can be seen on ultrasound. In addition, it may appear because those cases if there are stones or there are salt deposits.

Today, such a condition can be local or diffuse.

If there is a parenchyma and there is a diffuse condition, then this may be evidence that a person has the following diseases:

Tumor. The presence of such a tumor will be accompanied by a disorder digestive tract, the stool will be too liquid, gases may appear in the intestines.
Parenchyma.
Pancreatitis. In this case, the pancreas will be too inflamed, as it will lack the necessary enzymes for its normal operation.

The echogenicity of the liver and pancreas will be increased

During the conduction, as a norm, the echogenicity index of the liver and pancreas parenchyma. These organs are interconnected and any deviations in these organs will mean that there are problems that need to be dealt with in the future. Such an examination of the parenchyma using ultrasound can be primary, or it can be repeated after a person passes a series additional tests. Re-examination will confirm the diagnosis.

What should be the treatment for increased pancreatic echogenicity?

Ultrasound of the pancreas

As soon as doctors make a diagnosis, do not immediately get upset. The thing is, you can get rid of it. It will be easy to do this, since the treatment is to eliminate the disease in the pancreas.
Treatment of pancreas and increased echogenicity is best treated in a hospital. The fact is that doctors first of all relieve pain, and only after that they begin to treat the gland. For these purposes, they use enzyme preparations, which allow you to facilitate the work of the pancreas and bring it back to normal.
In addition, in a hospital, doctors will always be able to help if an exacerbation occurs or the person's condition worsens.

Also, the treatment will be to follow a diet. This diet will prohibit the use of salty, fatty, spicy. In addition, during the treatment period, it is necessary to exclude the use of alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
In addition, doctors prescribe a course of physiotherapy, which helps relieve pain during an exacerbation. It is impossible to treat such a disease at home, since it is necessary to control how the pancreas and its condition change.

Increased echogenicity of the pancreas is the conclusion of the ultrasound study. Some people immediately look for treatments on the global network, while others are indifferent to this diagnosis. How should you react to the fact that you have found an increase in the echogenicity of the pancreas? In this situation, you need to consult a gastroenterologist for advice.

What does the term "echogenicity" mean?

This concept is used only to describe an ultrasound examination. This refers to the ability of body tissue to reflect high frequency waves. This indicator registered by the same device that emits the waves. Focusing on the difference between these two indicators, we can say that the echogenicity of the gland is increased or decreased. This is displayed on the screen of the machine. Each person has his own indicator, in addition, it can be both homogeneous and heterogeneous. Doctors noticed the following pattern: the denser the organ, the higher the level of echogenicity.

Therefore, one should not be surprised at such a diagnosis, and the records in the conclusion of the ultrasound doctor - as the pancreas, the echogenicity is increased, the structure is heterogeneous. Any liquid is not able to reflect ultrasonic waves, it transmits them.

Now you know what pancreatic echogenicity is. This indicator indicates how much the tissue can reflect the high-frequency waves that come from the ultrasound of the drug. Further, this value is compared with the indicators of the liver, the values should be equal. Depending on the difference in indicators and they talk about increased density pancreas or reverse situation.

The echogenicity of the pancreas is increased, let's analyze in detail what it is? This indicates that there are not enough cells in the organ. After all, the liquid significantly lowers the level of echogenicity, and there is quite a lot of it in the glandular cells. There are both local and diffuse changes in the pancreas, with increased echogenicity. In addition, other factors can influence the increased echogenicity.

Pancreas

It plays the role of an endocrine channel. In any disease, no organ can replace its role. The pancreas is responsible for the production of enzymes involved in digestion. It also produces hormones that are important for the functioning of the body.

Therefore, a disease such as increased echogenicity of the pancreas should be treated immediately when the first symptoms appear. Other diseases of this organ should not be ignored. One of the most dangerous diseases- pancreatitis, in which there is a release of enzymes in large quantities. They break down organ tissues and, getting into blood cells, can cause very severe consequences for the whole organism.

What does increased echogenicity of the pancreas mean?

Reduced echogenicity of the pancreas, in contrast to increased, is not always a pathology. diffuse changes echogenicity does not always indicate the presence of the disease. What does increased echogenicity of the pancreas mean?

The echo density of the pancreas is increased in the case of gland lipomatosis. In this case, the pancreatic tissue is replaced by cells made up of fat. They contain virtually no liquid. It is worth considering that lipomatosis of the gland has no symptoms.
The echogenicity of the pancreatic parenchyma is increased in case of organ edema, this disease develops in acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of this disease are vomiting and diarrhea.
From possible diseases a tumor of the pancreas can also be noted.
The echogenicity of the pancreas is significantly increased, which may be due to diabetes mellitus.

The change in echogenicity may be a temporary phenomenon as a result of the following reasons.

Abrupt lifestyle change.
Use dense food before the ultrasound.
In spring or autumn, echogenicity may increase.
In case of infectious diseases, such as influenza or pneumonia. In order to reduce echogenicity, one should treat a viral disease.

In the case of temporary changes, a moderate increase in the level of echogenicity is observed. In the case of hyperechogenicity, only the presence of any pathology can be the cause.

Treatment of the disease

Not everyone knows what an increased echogenicity of the pancreas is and what to do in this case. Need to consult with medical specialist. He will appoint additional research that will help determine exact reason advanced level echogenicity. After the cause is known, the doctor draws up a course of treatment. If the cause is lipomatosis, then there is no need for treatment.

In the same situation when you are diagnosed with pancreatitis with acute course, this may mean hospitalization. After all, this disease is characterized by severe pain in the abdomen. Symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea are also common. Quite often diagnosed mixed echogenicity pancreas, this indicates that the tissue of the organ is heterogeneous.

Do not try to treat acute pancreatitis at home, as intravenous administration is necessary medical preparations. In this disease, treatment should be comprehensive.

Tumors of a malignant nature affect the exocrine region of the gland. This is typical for older people. This disease is much more common in males. The main symptoms are fast loss weight and severe pain in the abdomen. Treatment is carried out with operational method in combination with chemotherapy.

Another type of tumor is cystadenocarcinoma, which is quite rare. Its symptoms are pain in upper region belly. In this case, the prognosis for the course of the disease is most favorable. It is worth remembering that, regardless of the reason for the increase in echogenicity, these deviations should not be ignored. The sooner the examination is completed, the sooner treatment will begin.

Ultrasound examination method is widely used in the diagnosis of most somatic diseases. The constant progress of this field of medicine allows to expand diagnostic capabilities and enhance their relevance and credibility. In the ultrasound protocol, you can often find such a phrase as increased echogenicity of a particular organ. The reasons for this conclusion can be both functional, that is, reversible, in nature, and indicate a serious pathology.

Echogenicity of the organ in ultrasound

Echogenicity is understood as the ability of the organ under study to reflect ultrasonic high-frequency waves emitted by the sensor. First of all, it depends on the following acoustic properties of the examined object:

sound conductivity;
absorption capacity;
reflection;
refraction.

A direct relationship between the morphological and ultrasonic structure of an organ is indicated: the more fluid it contains, the lower the echogenicity and, conversely, the less fluid, the higher the echogenicity.

There are such types of echogenicity of education:

isoechoic (characterizes a homogeneous structure that has the same density with the surrounding tissues and organs);
hypoechoic (the term describes an object that has a weak reflectivity and has a lower density than adjacent structures);
anechoic or sound-transparent (in this case, echo signals are completely absent; as a rule, this phenomenon is characteristic of ultrasound passing through a liquid medium (gall or bladder));
hyperechoic (the term describes an object that has high density, which exceeds that of nearby formations);
distal "shadow" (visualized when there are no echoes behind the hyperechoic structure (for example, with a calculus in the gallbladder)).

Not always increased echogenicity should be considered a pathology, since it is rather a conditional term. This is due to the fact that each organ has its own density and, therefore, echogenicity. A competent specialist knows the characteristics of each structure, which allows him to differentiate the norm from deviations.

Echogenicity of individual organs on ultrasound

Performing the procedure, the ultrasound doctor evaluates the size of the organ, its contours, homogeneity and necessarily the degree of echogenicity, which may indicate the presence of various pathological processes in the object under study.

Changes in the structure of the pancreas

Normally, the pancreas is located in the projection epigastric region and has the following echo features.

The echogenicity of the pancreatic parenchyma is comparable to that of the liver and is designated as medium. With age, the gland undergoes changes, and the parenchyma becomes more dense.
Usually, the organ is represented by a “dumbbell-shaped” or “sausage-shaped” shape (due to the fact that the gland consists of a head, body and tail).
The contours are clear and even, well delimited from the surrounding tissues and structures.
The echostructure is homogeneous and fine-grained (other variants are possible: homogeneous or coarse-grained).
Wirsung's duct has the form of an oblong anechoic cord, the diameter of which normally ranges from 1.6 to 2.6 mm.

It is possible to say that the echogenicity of the pancreas is increased when its color on the device screen has a whiter tint and is in brighter ranges than the color of the liver tissue.

Common causes of hyperechogenicity are listed below.

Interstitial edema of glandular tissue as a result of acute reactive pancreatitis. In addition to a change in density, an increase in the size of the organ is also observed.
Increased echogenicity of the pancreas will be with pancreatic necrosis. In this case, against the background of heterogeneous hyperechoic changes, hypo- and anechoic areas are visualized, indicating necrosis.
Diffuse fibrosis as a result of chronic (autoimmune, alcoholic, infectious, drug) pancreatitis. Change is based on substitution normal tissue organ with connective tissue.
The echogenicity of the pancreas will be significantly increased with lipomatosis ( fatty infiltration organ). The gland has blurred contours and a fairly light or even white tint compared to other formations.
Diabetes mellitus, in which more than 90% of the organ tissue is destroyed.

Echostructure of the uterus and its changes

Normally, monthly cyclic changes occur in the uterus under the influence of hormones from the pituitary gland and ovaries. As a result, she has different indicators on ultrasound, correlated with the phase of the menstrual cycle.

The organ is pear-shaped, and in women who have given birth, it tends to be round. Normal myometrium is characterized by an average echogenicity, which is comparable to that of a healthy liver and pancreas.

The endometrium undergoes pronounced functional changes.

On the 5-7th day of the cycle, it has a lower echogenicity and a homogeneous structure. In the center of the uterus, a thin line with a hyperechoic signal is visualized, which is the junction of the posterior and anterior layers of the inner shell.
By the 8-10th day, the echostructure of the endometrium practically does not change, only some thickening is noted.
On the 11-14th day, its density increases, which corresponds to the average echogenicity.
Until the 15-18th day, the density of the shell grows slowly.
On days 19-23, the endometrium can be characterized as hyperechoic, making the central line almost invisible.
By the end of the period, the inner lining of the uterus has a hyperechoic and heterogeneous structure.

The causes of increased echogenicity of the uterus are most often: inflammation, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis and a malignant neoplastic process. The endometrium becomes hyperechoic certain days cycle, as well as as a result of inflammation, the appearance of a malignant neoplasm or adenomyosis in it, or during pregnancy (hypertrophy of the functional layer and glands occurs).

Changes in the ovaries

This paired organ located in the pelvic cavity and communicates with the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Similar to the endometrium, the ovaries also undergo a large number of changes associated with the menstrual cycle.

Normally, they have an ovoid shape, a bumpy contour due to growing follicles, a hypoechoic structure with anechoic rounded inclusions along the periphery.

Echogenicity of the ovaries often increases with diffuse sclerosis (as in Stein-Leventhal syndrome), prolonged and sluggish inflammation, and also with their malignant degeneration.

Changes in the structure of the mammary glands

The mammary glands of a woman are an important organ. reproductive system which needs to be given Special attention. In view of growth malignant neoplasms mammologists recommend yearly screening of the mammary glands using mammography or ultrasound.

These glands are also prone to cyclical changes, and their normal echostructure depends on the age of the woman.

AT reproductive period(from 18 to 35 years old) glandular tissue is represented by a homogeneous fine-grained formation of increased or medium echogenicity, in the thickness of which tubular anechoic structures (milky ducts) are visible.
In late reproductive age, a rather thick hypoechoic layer is visualized, represented by subcutaneous fatty tissue. Around her is connective tissue, visible on ultrasound in the form of a hyperechoic rim.
In women over 55 years of age, the substance of the mammary gland is replaced mainly by adipose tissue, which also finds its reflection on the screen of the ultrasound machine. The gland corresponds to a hypoechoic area with rare hyperechoic rounded inclusions.

The reasons for the pathological increase in echogenicity of the mammary glands are listed below.

Mastopathy resulting from hormonal imbalance. In this case, the increase in echogenicity is associated with the growth fibrous tissue(both diffusely and in the form of nodules).
Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor mammary glands, found predominantly in women reproductive age. Most often it is a solitary formation with great content connective tissue fibers, which makes it hyperechoic on echography. Although the literature indicates that this neoplasm may have different echogenicity.
Advanced forms of mastitis - nonspecific inflammation glandular tissue. On the late stages diseases of the mammary gland has a large number of hyperechoic inclusions with a similar dense capsule.

Increased echogenicity of the kidneys

echostructure healthy kidneys heterogeneous due to the presence of the medulla and cortical layer. The contours are smooth and clearly delimited from the surrounding formations. Normally, the pelvis and calyx are practically not visualized. The "contents" of the ureters have a reduced echogenicity, and their walls are represented by a light echo signal.

The reasons for the increase in the reflectivity of the kidneys are presented below.

Neoplasms. Moreover, the unevenness of the contours indicates the malignant nature of the tumor.
Moderately increased echogenicity of the kidneys indicates dysmetabolic nephropathy (that is, sand in the kidneys).
Stones are defined as hyperechoic areas different sizes and forms.
Triangular hyperechoic zones in the kidney parenchyma are a sign of hemorrhage.
An increase in the density of the organ (due to edema) is observed in acute pyelonephritis.

On normal echograms, the liver parenchyma appears to be a homogeneous structure of average echogenicity and is considered a standard for comparing the echogenicity of the pancreas and kidneys. Its contour is even and is a clear linear hyperechoic signal on all sections.

Echogenicity of the liver is increased with:

chronic hepatitis of various origins;
hereditary Gaucher disease (based on lysosomal enzyme deficiency);
Wilson-Konovalov disease (copper accumulates in the liver);
congenital and acquired liver fibrosis;
cirrhosis;
liver echogenicity is also increased in antitrypsin deficiency;

The structure of the gallbladder

The shape of the gallbladder is quite variable: from pear-shaped to cylindrical or ellipsoidal. It has a homogeneous anechoic structure. The wall of a healthy bladder is within 1-3 mm.

Causes of elevated echogenicity:

acute and chronic cholecystitis;
stagnation of bile (especially with hypomotor type of biliary dyskinesia);
calculous cholecystitis (the density of the echo picture is due to the accumulation of hyperechoic stones);

Changes in the structure of the spleen

Located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, the spleen on the echogram is represented by a sickle-shaped formation with clear, even contours. Its parenchyma has a homogeneous structure and echogenicity, which is slightly higher than that of the liver and the cortical layer of the kidney. Despite the fact that the pathology of the spleen is quite rare, isolated the following reasons amplification of its echo signal:

"old" heart attack (hemorrhage);
calcifications (most often they appear when long-term use medicines by type of anticonvulsants, etc.).

Echogenicity of the thyroid parenchyma

During an ultrasound examination, the size, volume of the gland, as well as its structure and localization are assessed. Normally, the contours of the gland are even, with deformation in some places (in the region of the trachea). The lobes have a fine-grained hypoechoic structure. The isthmus is characterized by a slightly higher density. In color flow mode, you can see sections of blood vessels and distinguish them from follicles.

Increased echogenicity thyroid gland occurs at:

chronic autoimmune and subacute thyroiditis;
nodular and diffuse goiter;
her malignant transformation.

Change in echogenicity during pregnancy

During the screening ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor may also detect some abnormalities in density. important organs and structures.

Hyperechogenicity of the intestinal walls of the fetus often indicates its ischemia as a result of necrotizing enterocolitis or cystic fibrosis. An increase in the echo signal in the placenta may signal such serious problems, as a detachment or infarction of the membrane, the deposition of calcifications in it, which requires a change in the tactics of managing pregnancy and the upcoming birth. It is also possible to increase the ultrasound density of the amniotic fluid, for example, when meconium enters it.

An increase in the echo signal of an organ often indicates the presence of a pathology in it. However, it is possible to verify the diagnosis only after a complete and thorough examination. Do not forget that ultrasound is additional method diagnosis of somatic diseases.