What does hyperdense mean?

• A. Radiolucent
• B. Radiopaque
• C. Hyperdense
• D. Isodense

Answer: (B)

Hyperdense describes something with higher density or attenuation than its surroundings. On a plain X-ray, denser materials absorb more X-rays and show up as bright white areas. That bright appearance is called radiopaque. So, when something is hyperdense, the label you’d use on an X-ray is radiopaque. Radiolucent would be dark because those materials absorb fewer X-rays, and isodense would blend in with surrounding tissue. (Note: in CT imaging, hyperdense is also used, but on X-ray exams the equivalent description is radiopaque.)