Effect of pancreatitis on the absorption of contrast medium from the pancreatic duct.

The absorption of contrast medium (CM) from the pancreatic duct into blood and lymph was studied in piglets with oedematous (n = 5), haemorrhagic (n = 6) and chronic (n = 7) pancreatitis. Six healthy animals served as controls. In piglets with oedematous pancreatitis, lymphatic absorption was found to be delayed, whereas venous absorption remained almost normal. Haemorrhagic pancreatitis severely delayed both venous and lymphatic absorption, due to microvascular damage. CM absorption was also delayed in chronic pancreatitis. Absorption from the pancreatic interstitium was rapid in healthy and oedematously inflamed pancreas. The slow absorption during haemorrhagic pancreatitis means that the parenchyma is exposed to the effects of CM for a longer period.