An analysis of pancreatic sonography in suspected pancreatic disease.

To assess the value of pancreatic sonography in patients suspected of having pancreatic disease, our first 500 pancreatic examinations using gray scale imaging were reviewed in a prospective manner without clinical information. Various parameters of each examination were recorded. The pancreas was localized by its relationships to surrounding vessels and the duodenum. The ability to define the head, body, and tail of the pancreas as well as anterior--posterior size measurements were noted and recorded. A retrospective clinical pathologic follow-up was then carried out and correlated with the ultrasonic findings. Four categories of patients were identified. The features seen in pancreatic ultrasonography of the entire group, as well as those seen in the individual categories, were analyzed. This analysis indicates that pancreatic sonography can be used in patients suspected of having pancreatic disease, defining both normal and abnormal pancreas. A high index of suspicion for the type of abnormality present can be achieved.