Chronic pancreatitis ultrasound

	Chronic pancreatitis Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

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]

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Bolondi L, Li Bassi S, Gaiani S, Barbara L (1989). "Sonography of chronic pancreatitis". Radiol. Clin. North Am. 27 (4): 815–33. PMID 2657858.