Hypoechoic Echotexture: Understanding Ultrasound Findings

Hypoechoic echotexture appears darker on ultrasound, indicating lower density or less compact tissue than surroundings.

Common Causes

• Fluid-filled structures (cysts, abscesses)
• Fatty tissue (adipose)
• Edema (fluid accumulation from inflammation, infection, lymphatic obstruction)
• Infiltrative processes (tumors, fibrosis, amyloid)
• Necrosis/infarction (cell death, loss of blood supply)
• Imaging artifacts (e.g., reverberation)

Hypoechoic appearance alone is not diagnostic; clinical context and further testing are needed.