Hereditary pancreatitis: early ultrasound appearances.

The radiological findings in a family with hereditary pancreatitis (HP) are presented. The value of ultrasound in the diagnosis and in the screening of family members is illustrated, in addition to its use in following the clinical course and complications in a severely affected child. We demonstrate that pancreatic duct abnormalities, not previously described, are present prior to the appearance of the typical pancreatic calcifications of HP.