Cystic vs Solid

Diagnostic ultrasound is an excellent modality for differentiating cystic from solid structures.

All too frequently we tend to make assumptions that all anechoic structures must be cystic.  While this is correct in the majority of cases, it is NOT the best way to distinguish cystic from solid.

Fluid is a different medium than soft tissue.  By exploiting the differences in the way fluid interacts with sound we can much more accurately make the distinction between cystic and solid.

The two features to look for are:

1. a bright well-defined back wall

2. good enhancement

The adjacent video will provide you with the details as well as numerous examples.