Erect scanning of pancreas using a gastric window.

A technique that can offer improved ultrasonic visualization of the pancreas is reported and evaluated. One hundred subjects were scanned in an erect sitting position with fluid-filled stomachs ("erect gastric window" technique). Conventional supine scans were initially performed in all cases; oblique, semierect, decubitus, prone, and standing positions with and without fluid-filled stomach were also evaluated. Compared with supine scans, the "erect gastric window" technique, occasionally supplemented by semierect, oblique, or decubitus views, provided significantly improved visualization of the pancreas in 93% of subjects. The nonvisualization rate was reduced from 19% to 1%.