Anisotropy in ultrasound refers to the phenomenon where the appearance of a tissue or structure changes depending on the angle of the ultrasound beam. This is a crucial “artifact” in medical imaging, often seen in fibrous tissues like tendons and ligaments. When the beam is not perpendicular to the tissue fibers, echoes may be diminished, mimicking pathology or obscuring real structures.
Understanding anisotropy is essential for accurate ultrasound diagnosis. Sonographers must adjust the transducer angle (“heal-toe” or “rocking” movements) to ensure optimal visualization and avoid misinterpreting these angle-dependent changes. Proper technique helps differentiate true abnormalities from artifactual variations, enhancing image quality and diagnostic confidence in “ultrasound artifacts.”
