What is the significance of "white" in ultrasound imaging?

In ultrasound imaging, the appearance of "white" corresponds to high echogenicity, which indicates high energy absorption structures. This means that certain tissues or materials reflect ultrasound waves strongly, leading to brighter images on the ultrasound screen. Structures such as bone, certain tumors, and calcifications are examples of high energy absorptive areas, which appear as white or hyperechoic on ultrasound.

This phenomenon is crucial in diagnosis because identifying these structures can help differentiate between various types of tissues and abnormalities, guiding clinical decision-making. In contrast, low energy absorption structures, such as fluid-filled cysts or blood, typically appear darker or anechoic, while air-filled spaces do not produce a clear image due to the way ultrasound waves interact with air. Hence, understanding the significance of echogenicity is fundamental for practitioners interpreting ultrasound imaging results.