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Hounsfield Units

Meaning

Hounsfield Units, abbreviated as HU, constitute a quantitative scale utilized in computed tomography (CT) imaging to express the relative radio-density of various tissues within the body. This scale is based on a linear transformation of the measured X-ray attenuation coefficient, providing an objective, numerical value for tissue characterization. Clinicians use HU values to differentiate between fat, fluid, soft tissue, and bone, as each has a distinct density profile. This unit is an indispensable tool for accurate diagnostic imaging and for characterizing lesions within endocrine organs.