Neovascularization refers to the formation of new blood vessels, typically occurring in response to tissue injury, inflammation, or malignancy. On color Doppler ultrasound, neovascularization appears as increased numbers of color signals (blood vessels) within or around a structure. In the context of infection or inflammation, hyperemia and neovascularization may be detected as increased Doppler flow. In malignancy, tumors often develop abnormal, disorganized blood vessels to support their rapid growth, a feature that can sometimes be detected on ultrasound as marked internal vascularity. Power Doppler is particularly sensitive for detecting subtle neovascularization due to its high sensitivity to slow flow.
Sonography Term