Chronic pancreatitis ultrasound

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Iqra Qamar M.D.[2]

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Ultrasound findings suggestive of chronic pancreatitis may include dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, calcifications, pancreatic gland enlargement, changes in pancreatic size, shape, and contour, pancreatic pseudocysts, hyperechogenicity suggesting fibrotic changes, pseudoaneurysms and ascites. The sensitivity of ultrasound is 60 to 70 percent and the specificity of ultrasound is 80 to 90 percent. The pancreas might appear atrophic, calcified or fibrotic (advanced stages).

• The pancreas might appear atrophic, calcified or fibrotic (advanced stages).
• Ultrasound may be helpful in differentiating autoimmune from other acquired causes of chronic pancreatitis
  • Focal or diffuse pancreatic enlargement may be seen in autoimmune pancreatitis
  • Calcifications may be appreciated in other acquired causes.
• Ultrasound findings suggestive of chronic pancreatitis may include:
  • Dilatation of the main pancreatic duct
  • Calcifications
  • Pancreatic gland enlargement
  • Changes in pancreatic size, shape, and contour
  • Pancreatic pseudocysts
  • Hyperechogenicity suggesting fibrotic changes
  • Pseudoaneurysms
  • Ascites

• The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound are as follows:
  • Sensitivity: 60 to 70 percent^[1]
  • Specificity: 80 to 90 percent^[1]

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