In which condition would you expect to see a complex mass on sonography?

In which condition would you expect to see a complex mass on sonography?

• A. Subacute hematoma
• B. Chronic renal failure
• C. Hydronephrosis
• D. Simple cyst

Answer: (A)

In the context of sonography, a complex mass refers to a structure that contains both solid and cystic components, which can present challenges in diagnosis. Subacute hematoma fits this description well, as it typically evolves and undergoes changes in its composition over time. During the subacute phase, a hematoma can be seen as a complex mass on ultrasound due to the presence of both liquid and potentially organized tissue components. The fresh blood initially appears as a hyper-echoic area, but as it evolves, the older blood becomes complex, developing walls and potentially containing clotted material or other by-products, leading to its complex appearance. On the other hand, chronic renal failure is characterized by various changes in kidney size and structure, but it does not typically present as a complex mass on ultrasound. Hydronephrosis generally appears as enlarged renal collecting systems with clear, fluid-filled structures, not complex masses. Simple cysts are defined by their clear, anechoic appearance and do not exhibit any solid components or complexity. Thus, subacute hematoma is the condition likely to display a complex mass on sonography, distinguishing it from the other options provided.

In the context of sonography, a complex mass refers to a structure that contains both solid and cystic components, which can present challenges in diagnosis. Subacute hematoma fits this description well, as it typically evolves and undergoes changes in its composition over time.

During the subacute phase, a hematoma can be seen as a complex mass on ultrasound due to the presence of both liquid and potentially organized tissue components. The fresh blood initially appears as a hyper-echoic area, but as it evolves, the older blood becomes complex, developing walls and potentially containing clotted material or other by-products, leading to its complex appearance.

On the other hand, chronic renal failure is characterized by various changes in kidney size and structure, but it does not typically present as a complex mass on ultrasound. Hydronephrosis generally appears as enlarged renal collecting systems with clear, fluid-filled structures, not complex masses. Simple cysts are defined by their clear, anechoic appearance and do not exhibit any solid components or complexity. Thus, subacute hematoma is the condition likely to display a complex mass on sonography, distinguishing it from the other options provided.