In sonography, what does the term "ISO-echogenic" refer to?

The term "ISO-echogenic" refers to tissues that appear similar on ultrasound due to having comparable echogenicity. This means that the echo patterns returned from these tissues are of a similar intensity, resulting in an appearance that does not distinguish one tissue from another on the ultrasound image. This concept is important in sonography for identifying normal anatomical structures and assessing pathological conditions, as differences in echogenicity can aid in diagnosis.

When interpreting ultrasound images, recognizing iso-echogenic tissues helps sonographers to understand which structures are adjacent and possibly related, and it can indicate areas that need further evaluation if the clinical context suggests pathology. Understanding echogenicity plays a critical role in sonographic examinations, as it provides insight into tissue composition and potential abnormalities.