The "water lily" sign is associated with which of the following abnormalities?

The "water lily" sign is associated with which of the following abnormalities?

• A. Hydronephrosis
• B. Echinococcal cyst
• C. Chronic pancreatitis
• D. Polycystic liver disease

Answer: (B)

The "water lily" sign is infamously associated with echinococcal cysts, particularly when they undergo fragmentation or rupture. This unique sign is produced by the presence of floating daughter cysts within the larger cyst, resembling water lilies on a pond's surface. The echinococcal cyst is caused by infection with the Echinococcus parasite, and its sonographic appearance is distinct and recognizable, which helps clinicians to identify it. For the other conditions listed, while they may present with various sonographic findings, they do not exhibit the characteristic "water lily" sign. Hydronephrosis is primarily characterized by the dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces without the specific features indicative of echinococcal disease. Chronic pancreatitis may show calcifications, fluid collections, or irregular ductal systems, but again lacks the water lily appearance. Polycystic liver disease is noted for multiple cysts, but typically does not present as floating daughter cysts. Understanding the specific sonographic signs associated with different pathologies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in sonography.

The "water lily" sign is infamously associated with echinococcal cysts, particularly when they undergo fragmentation or rupture. This unique sign is produced by the presence of floating daughter cysts within the larger cyst, resembling water lilies on a pond's surface. The echinococcal cyst is caused by infection with the Echinococcus parasite, and its sonographic appearance is distinct and recognizable, which helps clinicians to identify it.

For the other conditions listed, while they may present with various sonographic findings, they do not exhibit the characteristic "water lily" sign. Hydronephrosis is primarily characterized by the dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces without the specific features indicative of echinococcal disease. Chronic pancreatitis may show calcifications, fluid collections, or irregular ductal systems, but again lacks the water lily appearance. Polycystic liver disease is noted for multiple cysts, but typically does not present as floating daughter cysts.

Understanding the specific sonographic signs associated with different pathologies is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in sonography.