What characteristics might suggest the presence of liver pathology on ultrasound?

The presence of liver pathology can often be suggested by increased echogenicity and irregular borders observed on an ultrasound. Increased echogenicity typically indicates a change in the liver's normal parenchyma, suggesting conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver fibrosis. Additionally, irregular borders might point toward the presence of lesions or tumors, which can disrupt the normal contour of the liver. These characteristics reflect significant abnormalities rather than normal liver structure, making them strong indicators of potential liver pathology.

In contrast, uniform echogenicity with smooth borders usually signifies a healthy liver, maintaining normal anatomical structure. Localized hypoechoic areas may represent fluid collections, abscesses, or tumors, but do not necessarily indicate widespread liver pathology. Completely anechoic cysts are often benign and not indicative of liver disease, as they typically represent simple cysts that do not involve the liver's parenchyma. Therefore, the combined presence of increased echogenicity and irregular borders is much more suggestive of liver pathology than the other options presented.