Ectopia describes the condition where an organ or tissue is located in an abnormal position. In sonography, one of the most commonly encountered forms is an ectopic kidney, where the kidney develops in an unusual location such as the pelvis rather than the normal retroperitoneal position. Ectopic thyroid tissue can occasionally be found in the neck or chest. Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, is one of the most clinically urgent forms of ectopia. Recognizing ectopic organs and tissues on ultrasound is important because their abnormal position can lead to diagnostic confusion if the sonographer is not aware of common anatomical variants and their ultrasound appearances.
Sonography Term