Abstract:Although it is well known that biliary sludge can produce fine diffuse echoes within the gallbladder, it is less commonly appreciated that other cystic structures may contain echogenic fluid and therefore be mistaken sonographically for solid lesions. In this article three cases of splenic cysts and one case each of pyrometrocolpos, hydroureter, and pyonephrosis presented with diffuse fine echoes in the fluid. Three of these cases were misinterpreted as a result of this echogenic appearance. These cases serve … Show more
“…A review of the literature reveals that the echogenic nature of such fluid can be attributed to both protein 3 and cholesterol crystals. 4 We have ascribed the echogenic nature of our fluid sample to the protein as large insoluble proteinaceous matter was abundant and cholesterol crystals were lacking.…”
Low‐level swirling echoes were noted in scrotal fluid that ultimately proved to be a hydrocele. This sonographic appearance is similar to a hematocele or pyocele and potentially can cause confusion. We evaluated 14 patients with hydroceles and found these swirling echoes in nine. In each of these patients, the echoes were readily apparent with increased gain and were distinguished from artifact by their motion. We analyzed the fluid from one hydrocele and found high protein levels. We propose that protein aggregates account for these echoes. This appearance should not be confused with that resulting from a traumatic or infectious cause.
“…A review of the literature reveals that the echogenic nature of such fluid can be attributed to both protein 3 and cholesterol crystals. 4 We have ascribed the echogenic nature of our fluid sample to the protein as large insoluble proteinaceous matter was abundant and cholesterol crystals were lacking.…”
Low‐level swirling echoes were noted in scrotal fluid that ultimately proved to be a hydrocele. This sonographic appearance is similar to a hematocele or pyocele and potentially can cause confusion. We evaluated 14 patients with hydroceles and found these swirling echoes in nine. In each of these patients, the echoes were readily apparent with increased gain and were distinguished from artifact by their motion. We analyzed the fluid from one hydrocele and found high protein levels. We propose that protein aggregates account for these echoes. This appearance should not be confused with that resulting from a traumatic or infectious cause.
“…However, the boundary echoes of the posterior wall were irregular and interrupted because of adhesion to adjacent organs. In case 1, the evenly and diffusely distributed fine echoes probably represented debris from chronic infection or inflammation [4]; Echo-free spaces caused by pus occupied most of the mass in case 2; The high internal irregular echoes of the gauze were clearly shown in both cases [5]. Abscess, hematoma, and pancreatic pseudocysts may have similar ultrasonic appearance [6], but high internal irregular echoes are highly specific for retained gauzes.…”
The ultrasonic images obtained in 2 patients with retained gauze in the abdomen are presented. Identification of a cystic mass with highly irregular internal echoes in patients with previous laparotomy should alert the radiologist to the possibility of foreign body retention.
“…The usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and follow-up of hydatid disease is well recognized (I, 11,13,15,16,19,21,24,26,27,31). The US findings reported here are similar to those found by others.…”
Ultrasonography (US) and serology (double diffusion for antigen 5 (dd5» were used for the screening of hydatid disease in 1418 asymptomatic individuals from two provinces in Argentina. A total of 122 positive subjects were identified and in 120of them lesions consistent with hydatid disease were observed at US (98.4%) while only 19 had positive dd5 tests (15.8%). Chest radiography was performed in 647 of the subjects and an additional 4 lesions were found. Surgery was performed in 32 patients, confirming in all of them the sonographic diagnosis. It is suggested that US should be used in the screening for hydatidosis in high-risk populations as well as in follow-up programmes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.