What does hyperechoic mean?

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Hyperechoic means a structure reflects more ultrasound waves than its surroundings, so it appears brighter on the image. This is increased echogenicity—the tissue sends back a stronger, brighter signal. If a structure produced fewer echoes, it would be hypoechoic (darker); if it produced about the same echoes as surrounding tissue, it would be isoechoic; and if it produced no echoes at all, it would be anechoic (black). Classic examples of hyperechoic structures include calcifications and stones, as well as fatty or fibrous tissue that strongly reflects sound. So the correct idea is that hyperechoic corresponds to greater echoes.