What term describes compartments within a mass or fluid collection in sonography?

The term that describes compartments within a mass or fluid collection in sonography is "loculated." In medical imaging, particularly in ultrasound, "loculated" refers to a situation where a fluid collection, such as an abscess or cyst, is divided into separate areas or compartments by internal septations or membranes. This is an important descriptor that helps clinicians understand the nature of the fluid collection, which may affect management or treatment.

Understanding loculated structures is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. For instance, a loculated abscess may require different surgical intervention compared to a simple fluid collection. This distinction is vital for ensuring appropriate patient care.

In contrast, terms like anechoic, homogeneous, and complex refer to different characteristics of fluid or mass imaging, but they do not specifically denote the presence of compartments within a collection.