Which artifact is seen as a result of an increase in echo amplitude in the tissue located distal to an anechoic structure?

Which artifact is seen as a result of an increase in echo amplitude in the tissue located distal to an anechoic structure?
A . Mirror image
B . Reverberation
C . Comet tail
D . Enhancement

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

Enhancement artifact occurs when an anechoic (or low-attenuation) structure, such as a cyst or fluid-filled structure, allows the ultrasound beam to pass through it with minimal attenuation. As a result, the tissues located distal to this anechoic structure appear brighter (increased echo amplitude) on the ultrasound image because the sound waves are less attenuated by the anechoic structure, leading to higher intensity echoes returning from the distal tissue. This increased brightness beyond the anechoic area is known as enhancement.

Reference: ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation guidelines Kremkau,

F. W. (2015). Diagnostic Ultrasound: Principles and Instruments. Elsevier.