What is the expected sonographic appearance of a subacute hematoma?

What is the expected sonographic appearance of a subacute hematoma?

• A. Anechoic mass
• B. Complex mass
• C. Hypoechoic mass
• D. Homogeneous mass

Answer: (B)

A subacute hematoma typically presents as a complex mass on sonographic imaging. This is due to the characteristics of the hematoma as it evolves over time following the initial bleeding event. In the subacute stage, which generally occurs between 3 days to 2 weeks after the hemorrhage, the blood starts to undergo changes, including clot organization and the breakdown of red blood cells. As these changes occur, the hematoma often contains a mixture of liquid blood and solid components, leading to a heterogeneous or complex appearance on ultrasound. This complexity may include areas of varying echogenicity, which can result from the presence of differing materials such as liquid (serous fluid), clot (solid), and areas of inflammation. Therefore, the description of a complex mass accurately reflects the sonographic appearance expected during the subacute phase of a hematoma. Other potential appearances are not typical for a subacute hematoma; for instance, an anechoic mass usually indicates free fluid or water, while a hypoechoic mass may suggest a more homogeneous composition of fluid or solid without the complex structure seen in subacute hematomas. Hence, the designation of a complex mass is most appropriate for this scenario.

A subacute hematoma typically presents as a complex mass on sonographic imaging. This is due to the characteristics of the hematoma as it evolves over time following the initial bleeding event. In the subacute stage, which generally occurs between 3 days to 2 weeks after the hemorrhage, the blood starts to undergo changes, including clot organization and the breakdown of red blood cells.

As these changes occur, the hematoma often contains a mixture of liquid blood and solid components, leading to a heterogeneous or complex appearance on ultrasound. This complexity may include areas of varying echogenicity, which can result from the presence of differing materials such as liquid (serous fluid), clot (solid), and areas of inflammation. Therefore, the description of a complex mass accurately reflects the sonographic appearance expected during the subacute phase of a hematoma.

Other potential appearances are not typical for a subacute hematoma; for instance, an anechoic mass usually indicates free fluid or water, while a hypoechoic mass may suggest a more homogeneous composition of fluid or solid without the complex structure seen in subacute hematomas. Hence, the designation of a complex mass is most appropriate for this scenario.