The diagnosis of necrotizing pancreatic lesions by means of duodenoscopic pancreatography.

Direct demonstration of intrapancreatic abscesses and pseudocysts can be made by means of duodenoscopic retrograde pancreatography. The most important findings are escape of contrast medium from the duct system into a cavity and its visualization, the tryptic perforation of one or more ducts and the concomitant deformity which may be general or limited to the vicinity of the lesion. The differential diagnosis of pancreatic abscess and carcinoma with penetration of contrast medium in the tumor tissue is supported by the fact that the contours of a necrotic cavity are rather well defined, whereas in carcinoma the extraductal opacification is diffuse. As a rule in a necrotic lesion the ductal system is distorted locally or the whole excretory duct system may be involved. In carcinoma the ductal system generally appears normal distally to the tumor. Accurate demonstration of the necrotic lesion, the assessment as to its localization and size are of decisive importance for indication and choice of the surgical procedure.