Pancreatic echogenicity in premature and newborn infants.

Little information is available regarding pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates. We prospectively studied 65 patients (30 premature infants and 35 neonates) and compared pancreatic echogenicity to a control group of 25 infants and 35 older children. Pancreatic echogenicity was graded relative to hepatic echogenicity measured at a similar depth. In the premature infants and neonates the initial ultrasounds were hyperechoic in 71% compared to 5% in both control groups. Follow up ultrasounds were obtained in 73% of the premature infants and 17% of the neonates. The pancreatic echogenicity became isoechoic in 14 of 19 premature infants and 3 of 4 neonates in whom the initial ultrasound was hyperechoic. We conclude that the normal pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates is usually hyperechoic relative to liver. Pancreatic hyperechogenicity in premature infants and neonates is not necessarily indicative of disease.