Ultrasound Examination and Interpretation of Heterogeneous Echoes

When our bodies encounter various issues, it is often difficult to fully understand the situation solely based on symptoms or surface observations. In such cases, professional examinations are necessary for a thorough understanding, and color Doppler ultrasound is an important clinical examination. However, the results of color Doppler ultrasound are not always easy to interpret, as some findings may involve specialized terminology, such as heterogeneous echoes. So, what does heterogeneous echo mean? Let's explore it further.

What Does Heterogeneous Echo Mean?

Under normal conditions, the echoes of most organs or tissues are uniform. If heterogeneous echoes are observed, the first consideration should be whether there are diffuse changes. These changes can be caused by functional abnormalities, degenerative changes in organs, or space-occupying lesions. Therefore, it is necessary to combine various acoustic indicators of different organs or tissues for a comprehensive judgment. If significant changes are detected in an organ, it is important to check if there are any functional issues. If there is a high possibility of a space-occupying lesion, further imaging examinations are recommended to exclude other diagnoses. Thus, heterogeneous echoes alone cannot be used to determine the specific problem.

When Should Heterogeneous Echoes Prompt Uterine Curettage?

If the echo is high, it may indicate residual embryonic tissue. If the echo is low, it may represent residual fluid. It is advisable to consult a relevant doctor at a hospital and take appropriate measures. The best time for abortion is between the 6th and 8th weeks of pregnancy, with medical abortion being the safest option within this period. However, medical abortion should not be performed after 49 days as there is a risk of incomplete abortion. After three months, when the fetus has already formed, induction of labor may be necessary. Induction of labor can be performed anytime before the birth of the fetus, but the later it is done, the higher the risk and the greater the harm to the woman.

Specific Process of Abortion

1. Maintaining Breast Meridian Patency After Abortion: During abortion, the newly developed breast tissue stops growing, and the alveolar sacs become smaller or disappear, leading to breast restoration. However, this restoration is often incomplete, which can easily lead to hyperplasia of the mammary lobules, resulting in breast masses and pain. To prevent this, it is essential to unblock the meridians and restore the flow of qi and blood as soon as possible.

2. Caring for the Uterus After Abortion: During medical abortion, the cervix and endometrium of the mother are inevitably damaged, leading to a decrease in the uterus's resistance. The cervix is a susceptible site for HPV infection, and modern science has confirmed a direct relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer. Therefore, comprehensive protection of the uterus is essential during the recovery period, including increasing uterine resistance, promoting rapid uterine repair, and thoroughly eliminating residual blood.

3. Careful Rest and Diet After Medical Abortion: Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that recovery from abortion requires more care than normal childbirth. Abortion abruptly terminates the normal physiological process of the human body, causing greater harm than a normal birth. Therefore, it is crucial to take proper care during recovery. Although it does not mean spending 10 months in confinement, at least half a month of rest is recommended after an abortion.