Diffuse changes in the pancreas: what it means, how to treat, diet

Diffuse changes in the structure of pancreatic tissue are signs of the disease detected using ultrasound examination.

Let's take a closer look at the features of this pathology, their types, causes of this pathology, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment methods.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Causes diffuse changes in the pancreas

The causes of pathology are varied. Most often, changes occur during metabolic and dystrophic processes in the organ. Changes can develop due to circulatory disorders in this area, endocrine and metabolic diseases, and disorders of the bile ducts and liver.

In elderly people and patients with diabetes, the pancreatic tissue decreases in volume. The missing volume is replenished with fatty tissue. These changes are not considered pathology and do not require treatment. But according to the results of an ultrasound examination, the diagnosis will sound like diffuse changes in the pancreas with increased echogenicity with normal organ sizes.

Similar changes can be observed with uniform replacement of the organ's destroyed tissues with connective tissue. The size of the gland can be normal or slightly reduced. These symptoms occur due to chronic metabolic-dystrophic disorders or acute pancreatitis. If the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is not confirmed, then diffuse changes do not require treatment.

Causes of various diffuse changes in the pancreas:

• Unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of spicy, sweet, salty, floury, fatty foods.
• Chronic stress and hereditary predisposition.
• Abuse of alcohol and smoking.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Irrational use of medications.

Very often, diffuse changes in the pancreas are found in patients with diabetes due to insufficient insulin production. The patient's blood sugar level increases, and glucose appears in the urine. Changes of this kind require very specific treatment, which is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease. Do not forget about acute and chronic pancreatitis, which lead to diffuse changes in the pancreas and require treatment.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Pathogenesis

Diffuse changes in the pancreas are not considered as an independent diagnosis, but indicate the presence of a pathological condition, that is, they act as a separate symptom. The presence of diffuse changes indicates a decrease or increase in the size of the pancreas or compaction of tissues and the structure of the organ. Changes can appear due to inflammatory processes, be a sign of aging of the body, occur as a result of sclerotization. Diffuse changes (DC) are not always accompanied by an underlying disease. That is, such a disease as diffuse changes in the pancreas does not exist, but after an ultrasound examination, the doctor can write a similar conclusion. This indicates changes in the organ, most often metabolic-dystrophic.

The pancreas is the largest gland of internal and external secretion. The organ is located in the retroperitoneal space, on the back wall of the abdominal cavity. The pancreas has a body, head and tail, and is covered by the stomach in front.

• The widest part of the organ is the head of the pancreas. It is located to the right of the spine and enters the internal bend of the duodenum. The body of the organ is located in front of the spine, and on the left side it slowly passes into the tail.
• The pancreas has a duct that runs from the tail to the head and exits in the wall of the duodenum. The gland merges with the bile duct, but in some cases the ducts exit into the duodenum on their own.
• The gland produces pancreatic juice, which consists of enzymes that digest proteases, lipases and amylases, i.e. it performs an exocrine function. The organ tissues contain endocrine glands that produce insulin, which helps the tissues absorb glucose.

[ 6 ]

Symptoms diffuse changes in the pancreas

The symptoms of DI depend on the underlying disease that caused the changes. The main symptoms are loss of appetite, frequent constipation and diarrhea, and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Let's look at the symptoms of diffuse changes that are characteristic of certain diseases.

• In acute pancreatitis, increased pressure occurs in the pancreatic duct, which causes damage to the organ and the release of digestive enzymes through the gland tissue. This leads to the destruction of pancreatic tissue and causes intoxication of the body. The patient feels terrible pain in the left hypochondrium, frequent vomiting and nausea. Symptoms of increasing tachycardia and low blood pressure appear. The condition does not improve, until intensive therapy or surgical treatment is performed.
• In chronic pancreatitis, the symptoms of DIPZh are protracted. At the first stage, the gland is damaged, which leads to its swelling and small hemorrhages. Over time, the pancreas decreases in size and becomes sclerotic, which leads to disruptions in the production of digestive enzymes. As the disease progresses, the patient experiences severe pain.
• If diffuse changes in the pancreas are caused by fibrosis, then at the initial stages of this disease, there are no symptoms. With fibrous inflammation, normal tissues of the gland are replaced by connective tissue. This leads to reduced production of enzymes and hormones that support metabolic processes in the body and are responsible for the digestion process. The initial symptoms of the disease are similar to those of pancreatitis. The patient feels constant pain in the left hypochondrium and nausea. Due to the lack of enzymes, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and sudden weight loss occur. Later, due to the depletion of protein reserves, the body begins to become allergic and insulin production is disrupted, which leads to diabetes.
• If the changes in the pancreas are caused by lipomatosis, then this is an irreversible process. Healthy tissue of the gland is replaced by fatty tissue. Since fat cells do not perform the functions of the digestive glands, the body begins to feel a deficiency of substances that are necessary for normal functioning. The degree of expression, that is, the symptoms of lipomatosis, completely depends on the degree of diffuse changes in the pancreas. So, if the disease has a limited spread of the pathological focus, then the process is asymptomatic. With uncontrolled progression, the parenchyma is compressed by a massive accumulation of fatty tissue, which causes painful sensations and leads to disruptions in the functioning of the pancreas.

[ 7 ]

Diffuse changes in the pancreatic parenchyma

Very often found in the conclusion of an ultrasound examination. This is not a diagnosis, but only the result of the study, which indicates a uniform change in the tissues of the gland, the absence of stones, local foci, cysts or tumors. That is, the ultrasound indicates that changes are observed in the parenchyma tissues, the cause of which must be determined.

Doctors identify the following causes of diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the pancreas:

• Pancreatitis (acute form) is a serious disease that occurs as a result of a violation of the outflow of secretion due to an inflammatory process in the pancreas. The result of the above-mentioned process is reflected by diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the gland.
• Chronic pancreatitis is one of the forms of inflammation of the pancreas. The disease can occur due to pathological processes in the gallbladder and liver or appear independently.
• Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which healthy gland tissue is replaced by fatty tissue. As a result, ultrasound examination shows diffuse changes in the organ parenchyma.

In addition to diffuse changes, when examining the parenchyma of the pancreas, doctors can diagnose increased echogenicity of the organ. Tissue echogenicity is considered one of the important indicators that allow you to assess the density of internal organs. If ultrasound has revealed increased or decreased echogenicity of the parenchyma of the pancreas, then additional tests are required to determine the cause of this pathology. As a rule, increased echogenicity of the parenchyma of the pancreas occurs with:

• An inflammatory process with the formation of fibrosis - connective tissue becomes scarred, due to which tissue areas differ in density. On ultrasound, this gives a hyperechoic signal. The disease can arise due to metabolic disorders.
• Lipomatosis of the pancreas is the replacement of healthy tissue of the organ parenchyma with fat. Due to the changes, increased echogenicity is observed.
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease that leads to swelling of the organ, which changes the density of the parenchyma, which means that the echogenicity of the tissue increases.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Diffuse changes in the structure of the pancreas

They can be uniform or uneven in nature. It is the nature of the changes that indicates that the processes occurring in the gland have a general, not local form. The tissues of the pancreas can become denser or, on the contrary, lose their density due to inflammatory processes and swelling.

With uneven diffuse changes in the structure of the gland tissues, various tumors, cysts or sclerosis of the organ are most often detected. Most of the changes concern the parenchyma of the gland, since its tissues have a glandular structure. There are many reasons that lead to changes in the structure of the organ. Changes indicate disturbances in the functioning of the organ, which without additional diagnostics and treatment can lead to serious consequences. Since the pancreas is responsible not only for the digestion process, but also for the production of vital hormones such as glucagon and insulin.

Let's look at the most common factors that lead to changes in structure.

• Inflammatory diseases and other lesions of the digestive system.
• Pathological heredity – very often pancreatic diseases are passed on to children from parents.
• Chronic nervous tension, stress, increased fatigue.
• Poor nutrition, abuse of salty, spicy, fatty and sweet foods.
• Smoking and alcoholism.
• Age of the patient – very often diffuse changes in the structure of the pancreas begin at a later age.

The doctor's task is to accurately determine the cause of the changes. But do not forget that changes in the structure of the pancreas can be a symptom of many diseases. That is, the presence of only structural changes is not a reason for making a final diagnosis. The doctor is guided by the collected anamnesis and the results of other studies and tests.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Chronic diffuse changes in the pancreas

They may not manifest themselves for a long time. Chronic changes indicate the presence of chronic diseases and inflammatory processes. The cause of such changes may be chronic pancreatitis, fibrosis or lipomatosis.

• Lipomatosis is a disease in which healthy gland tissue is replaced by fat cells. People with diabetes mellitus most often suffer from this disease.
• If, in addition to chronic diffuse changes in the pancreas, an ultrasound examination has revealed increased echogenicity, but the normal size of the gland is preserved, then this is fibrosis. The disease can be caused by a metabolic disorder or appear as a result of the fusion of connective tissue.

Chronic diffuse changes in the pancreas indicate uniform changes in the organ. Such ultrasound results are not a diagnosis, but a signal for the doctor, who must find the cause of the changes and eliminate it.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Diffuse reactive changes in the pancreas

Mean secondary changes, i.e. the organ's reaction to the disease. Diffuse reactive changes can occur with any diseases of the digestive organs, since the functions of all organs and systems are interconnected. But most often, reactive changes indicate problems with the liver or bile ducts, since it is with them that the pancreas has the closest connection.

Reactive changes may indicate the presence of secondary pancreatitis, which occurs in patients with digestive diseases due to regular overeating, eating fried, spicy, salty foods. Pathology also occurs with some congenital enzymatic disorders and due to long-term use of drugs or anomalies in the development of the biliary tract.

On ultrasound examination, diffuse reactive changes in the pancreas are similar to the picture of acute pancreatitis. One of the areas of the organ is enlarged, most often the tail, there is an expansion of the gland duct and changes in the tissues of the organ. In secondary DI, the patient will undergo a complete diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract to determine the real cause of this pathology.

[ 17 ]

Diffuse focal changes in the pancreas

May indicate that there are tumor processes, cysts or stones in the organ. This is caused by local, i.e. focal changes in the tissues of the pancreas. Similar processes can occur due to diseases of both the gastrointestinal tract and the pancreas.

Diffuse focal changes require additional research and mandatory treatment. Since they indicate a pathological process in the body. Patients with such ultrasound results should be prepared for long-term, and possibly surgical treatment.

[ 18 ]

Diffuse fibrous changes in the pancreas

This is scarring, i.e. compaction of connective tissue. This pathology can occur due to metabolic disorders in the body, chronic inflammatory processes, viral or alcohol intoxication, or damage to the hepatobiliary system. When conducting an ultrasound examination, fibrous changes are characterized by increased echogenicity and density of organ tissue. A decrease in the pancreas is not always observed, since the change in organ size depends on the extent of tissue changes.

Fibrous changes may indicate the development of fibroma in the organ tissues. Fibroma is a benign tumor that forms from connective tissue, does not metastasize and grows very slowly. The disease does not cause painful symptoms, so it can only be diagnosed using ultrasound. But if the tumor is large, it leads to compression of the pancreas and organs located nearby. Depending on the location of the fibroma in the pancreas, certain symptoms occur:

• Pain in the left or right hypochondrium, in the navel and epigastric region is a sign of damage to the pancreas.
• If the fibroma is located in the head of the pancreas, then due to the compressed bile duct, symptoms of jaundice appear.
• If the fibroma compresses the duodenum, the patient experiences symptoms similar to intestinal obstruction (nausea, vomiting).

Fibrous changes require treatment. Treatment can be carried out both conservatively, that is, by medication, and by means of surgical intervention. In addition to treatment, the patient will have a long recovery period, adherence to a healthy lifestyle and only dietary nutrition (diet table No. 5).

[ 19 ]

Diffuse dystrophic changes in the pancreas

This is an irreversible process that is associated with a lack of adipose tissue, which leads to pathological changes in the organ. Normal cells of the pancreas are replaced by fat cells that are unable to function stably and support the work of the organ. Diffuse dystrophic changes are lipodystrophy.

Fatty dystrophy occurs due to the death of organ cells, under the influence of a number of factors (inflammatory processes, chronic pancreatitis, tumors). Due to such pathologies, the body is unable to restore its integrity. If dystrophy arose due to a failure, and the number of dead cells is not large, then a person may not even know about such processes in the body. Since the pancreas will work properly. If dystrophy progresses, and the cells form foci, then this leads to a stop in the full functioning of the pancreas.

There are no exact symptoms that would help diagnose diffuse dystrophic changes. As a rule, problems are detected during an ultrasound examination. All this suggests that any disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas should be a reason for in-depth diagnostics that could confirm or refute diffuse dystrophic changes.

[ 20 ], [ 21 ], [ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ]

Diffuse changes in the pancreas of the tail

This is a pathological process that requires detailed diagnostics. The pancreas has three main parts: the head, the body and the tail, which is narrower than the main part. The tail has a curved pear shape, rises upward and fits tightly to the spleen. The optimal width of the tail of the pancreas is 20-30 mm. The tail contains an excretory duct, which is 15 cm long and passes through the entire body of the organ.

As a rule, diffuse changes in the tail of the pancreas indicate its compaction or expansion. These changes occur due to obstruction of the splenic vein. Against the background of these changes, portal hypertension of the subrenal form may develop.

Diffuse changes in the tail of the pancreas account for a quarter of all diseases of the organ. The tail is examined through the spleen or left kidney. But it is very difficult to treat pathologies of the tail. As a rule, the patient undergoes an operation to remove the tail of the pancreas and block the blood vessels of the organ to maintain its normal functioning. With minor or moderate diffuse changes, conservative therapy and regular monitoring are possible.

[ 26 ], [ 27 ]

Diffuse parenchymatous changes in the pancreas

They occur with various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and especially the pancreas. It is worth noting that all organs of the human body are divided into parenchymatous and hollow. Parenchymatous organs are filled with the main tissue, that is, the parenchyma. The pancreas and liver are parenchymatous organs of the abdominal cavity, since they contain glandular tissue divided into many lobes by connective tissue partitions and covered with a capsule.

The functioning of the pancreas, bile ducts and liver are interconnected, since all these organs have a single duct for the removal of bile and pancreatic juice. Any disturbances in the liver are reflected in the pancreas and vice versa. Diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the pancreas occur due to metabolic and dystrophic diseases, which lead to the replacement of normal organ tissue with fatty or connective tissue.

As a rule, diffuse changes in the parenchyma are found in elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus and in people with cardiovascular diseases and circulatory disorders in the pancreas. Changes can be caused by diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract or long-term infectious and inflammatory diseases that cause metabolic disorders.

Parenchymatous changes occur in young and middle-aged patients. The pathology is caused by acute pancreatitis. Changes can leave an imprint on the functional abilities of the pancreas and cause painful sensations. In order to determine the consequences of diffuse changes, it is necessary to examine the patient and conduct additional tests.

[ 28 ], [ 29 ], [ 30 ], [ 31 ], [ 32 ]

Stages

The degree of diffuse changes in the pancreas may vary. Changes may be of varying degrees. But in any case, their presence indicates pathological processes (focal inflammation, tumors, cysts or stones). Let's consider the main diffuse changes in the pancreas (DCPP):

1. Diffuse decreases in the density of pancreatic tissue, decreased echogenicity and an increase in the size of the organ - such changes are typical for patients with acute pancreatitis. The disease occurs due to a violation of the outflow of digestive juice from the gland. Digestive juice begins to destroy the tissues of the gland, which leads to its swelling and increase in volume.
2. Diffuse decreases in tissue density, decreased echogenicity, but preservation of normal gland size - these changes occur in chronic pancreatitis. The disease occurs due to disturbances in the process of digestion of fatty foods. In some cases, the excretory duct of the gland may have a tortuous shape.
3. Diffuse increase in echogenicity without changes in the size of the pancreas indicates lipomatosis. Lipomatosis is a partial replacement of healthy organ tissue with fat. Most often, this disease occurs in elderly people and in patients with diabetes.
4. Diffuse change in the pancreas with an increase in the density of the organ tissue, increased echogenicity, but with normal or reduced organ sizes - such changes occur with fibrosis of the gland. Healthy tissues of the organ are replaced by connective tissue. This occurs after inflammatory processes or metabolic disorders.

Diffuse changes in the pancreas are important only if there are additional research results. Based on the ultrasound results, the general clinical picture, the patient's complaints, and the instrumental studies and laboratory tests performed, the doctor makes a final diagnosis. This allows for effective treatment.

Minor changes

They are not a cause for concern. This diagnosis may indicate a recent inflammatory disease, frequent stress or poor nutrition. Very often, disorders of the pancreas occur due to the influence of the central nervous system. Regular stressful situations lead to increased secretion of juice, and depression - to its suppression. As a result, minor DIPJ are visible on ultrasound.

Eliminating the cause of the changes, i.e. proper nutrition and avoiding stressful situations, allows eliminating minor diffuse changes in the pancreas. If the onset of the pathological process is left to its own devices, it will lead to serious damage to the pancreas and very dangerous diseases, the treatment of which can be radical.

[ 33 ], [ 34 ]

Moderate changes

They occur in the early stages of gastrointestinal diseases. Moderate changes can occur during inflammatory processes that lead to organ swelling. This is observed when pancreatitis is suspected. Thus, in the acute stage of pancreatitis, compactions are not detected, which indicates moderate DIPZH.

• In some cases, moderate diffuse or diffuse changes in the organ occur with chronic pancreatitis. It is very important to know the cause that led to the disease. Chronic pancreatitis can be the result of a long-term course of acute pancreatitis. Small moderate compactions appear at the site of inflammation.
• Moderate DIPZ may be caused by diseases of the duodenum or gall bladder. Due to disturbances in the digestion of protein and fatty foods, insufficient production of pancreatic juices, the parenchyma is replaced by fatty or connective tissue.
• Diffuse changes may occur due to fibrosis, i.e. an increase in connective tissue that has an uneven structure. These symptoms do not require treatment if they do not cause painful sensations.

Having diagnosed moderate diffuse changes in the pancreas, it is very difficult to say what caused them. If gastrointestinal diseases are suspected, the doctor conducts additional tests and studies.

Unexpressed changes

These are pathological processes in the organ that do not affect its functioning. The tissues of the pancreas contain endocrine glands that produce insulin for the body to absorb glucose. A healthy organ has large contours and homogeneous tissue. If diffuse changes are detected, this indicates the replacement of healthy tissues with fatty or connective tissue.

The cause of unexpressed DI may be elevated blood sugar, liver or gallbladder disease, previously suffered acute or chronic pancreatitis. Diffuse unexpressed changes are found in elderly patients, with cardiovascular diseases, digestive tract organs. Changes may be caused by infectious or inflammatory diseases, as well as hereditary predisposition.

Expressed changes

They indicate a pathological process occurring in the body. Changes can be caused by a disease or inflammatory processes. As a rule, pronounced DIPZH is a reason to conduct additional examinations of the gastrointestinal tract and the body as a whole. In particularly difficult cases, organ changes are accompanied by pain and patient complaints from the digestive system.

In most cases, pronounced diffuse changes in the pancreas appear due to pancreatitis:

• In acute pancreatitis, there is stagnation of pancreatic juice in the gland. The patient feels severe pain, vomiting and a general grave condition. To relieve pain, it is necessary to maximally relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and suppress the functions of the pancreas. For these purposes, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or narcotic drugs. After further examination of the patient's condition, surgical intervention is possible.
• In case of chronic pancreatitis, DIPZ can be both pronounced and moderately pronounced, i.e. be in the remission phase. Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis is similar in its symptoms to acute pancreatitis. Therefore, the disease requires the same treatment and additional diagnostics.

[ 35 ], [ 36 ], [ 37 ], [ 38 ], [ 39 ], [ 40 ], [ 41 ], [ 42 ], [ 43 ], [ 44 ]

Diagnostics diffuse changes in the pancreas

Diagnosis is carried out using ultrasound examination. Using ultrasound, the doctor can diagnose an increase or decrease in the density of organ tissues, changes in its homogeneity, and detect foci of inflammation. But DIPZH can only be confirmed with the help of additional examinations.

The patient undergoes a biochemical blood test and endoscopic examination. This allows detecting the inflammatory process and provides information about the condition of the organ tissues. In addition to the examinations, the doctor collects anamnesis based on the patient's complaints. Palpation of the pancreas and instrumental examination are mandatory. Diagnostics consists of:

• Determination of pancreatic enzyme levels and blood glucose levels.
• Conducting a general blood test.
• Determination of pancreatic enzymes in urine and inhibitor/trypsin ratio.
• Ultrasound examination of the pancreas (size of the organ, presence of compactions and swelling, condition of the viral duct).
• Conducting computed tomography and ERCP.

Ultrasound signs

Diffuse changes in the pancreas on ultrasound allow to detect the pathological process in time and start treatment. During the ultrasound examination of the pancreas, the doctor evaluates the size and shape of the organ, the homogeneity of the tissues and the presence of formations. Conducting an ultrasound is a rather long process, which is complicated by the fact that the organ is located behind the intestines and stomach, which contain gases. Therefore, before the ultrasound, the patient must follow a diet aimed at reducing gas formation.

During an ultrasound examination, the density of the pancreas structure is assessed, which can be diffusely increased or decreased. It should not be forgotten that the organ is closely connected with the gallbladder and liver, so any pathological changes are reflected in the condition of the gland and vice versa. To clarify the results of ultrasound of diffuse changes in the pancreas, the patient is prescribed additional blood, feces, urine tests and endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ultrasound examination of the pancreas is performed to examine the abdominal organs. The main indications for ultrasound are a feeling of heaviness after eating, diarrhea and frequent constipation, pain in the left hypochondrium and abdomen, bloating, diabetes, yellowness of the mucous membranes and skin. Let's consider the process of performing ultrasound of the pancreas and cases in which organ DIs appear.

[ 45 ], [ 46 ], [ 47 ]

Preparation for ultrasound

Since the pancreas is in close contact with the stomach, the air in the hollow organs complicates the visualization of the gland during the examination. Because of this, the ultrasound examination is performed on an empty stomach, 12 hours after the last meal.

• Normal picture

The organ has a uniform structure, any diffuse changes are absent. The echogenicity of the pancreas corresponds to the echogenicity of the liver and spleen. The doctor visualizes the head, isthmus, body and tail of the organ. Each of their structures has normal dimensions.

• Acute pancreatitis

In this disease, diffuse changes in the organ are visible. The pancreas is enlarged, has unclear contours and dilation of the pancreatic duct. Ultrasound examination can reveal changes in other organs as well. DI can be focal, total or segmental.

• Non-specific non-neoplastic lesions

There are many conditions that lead to the appearance of diffuse changes in the pancreas. As a rule, all pathological processes begin with acute or chronic pancreatitis. Ultrasound clearly shows changes in the organ tissues, dystrophy or, conversely, an increase in the pancreas. Such changes can be caused by trauma, diabetes, amyloidosis, and intoxication.

• Benign tumors

Ultrasound examination shows focal-diffuse changes in the pancreas. Tumors can arise from cells of the endocrine system or connective tissue. But it is quite difficult to recognize the nature of the seals using ultrasound, since many of them have a small diameter and are similar in structure to the structure of the pancreas.

• Malignant tumors

Ultrasound examination allows to detect malignant lesions of the pancreas, which are classified as: diffuse changes in the head, body or tail of the organ. If the tumor is small, it does not change the contours of the organ, but larger ones cause deformation of the pancreas. In addition to ultrasound, the patient undergoes a histological examination to accurately confirm the malignant nature of the neoplasms.

All ultrasound data is analyzed by a gastroenterologist or therapist, who then prescribes additional examinations and tests and establishes a final diagnosis.

ECHO signs of diffuse changes in the pancreas

Echo signs of diffuse changes in the pancreas occupy a special place in the process of ultrasound examination. When conducting an ultrasound examination, the device uses ultra-thin sound waves that are safe for the human body and can penetrate through the tissues of organs. The waves are reflected differently, which allows us to talk about the density and structure of the pancreas.

Diagnosis of pancreatic diseases is based on an increase or decrease in the echo signs of the organ. If the organ is healthy, then normal echogenicity is observed. With increased parenchyma density or replacement of normal tissues with fat or connective tissue, echogenicity increases. If echo signs of DI indicate a decrease in parenchyma, this indicates inflammatory processes in the pancreas, acute or chronic pancreatitis. Depending on the severity and nature of diffusion, it is possible to diagnose not only pancreatitis, but also diabetes mellitus, tumors, fibrosis and abscesses.

In some cases, echo signs of diffuse changes in the pancreas may be the result of age-related changes or previous diseases. There is a pattern: the more pronounced the echo signs, the greater the DIPJ.

Treatment diffuse changes in the pancreas

Treatment is possible only if the changes are pathological. Very often, diffuse changes indicate a previous illness or possible organ damage. That is why, when DIPJ is detected, it is necessary to contact the attending physician to clarify the diagnosis and conduct therapeutic treatment.

• If diffuse changes are caused by latent chronic pancreatitis, then additional tests are performed to confirm the disease. Particular attention is paid to accompanying symptoms. Sudden weight loss, pain, and dyspeptic disorders confirm pancreatitis. To treat diffuse changes, the patient is prescribed a diet and physiotherapy.
• If diffuse changes in the pancreas are caused by diabetes, then treatment is aimed at maintaining blood sugar levels and diet. Many doctors recommend that patients use some traditional medicine methods, such as herbal treatment, to maintain health.
• If DIPJ occurs in elderly patients, such processes do not require treatment. To maintain the body, patients are recommended therapeutic nutrition and an active lifestyle.

Based on the above, we can conclude that diffuse changes in the pancreas themselves are not treated. The doctor must diagnose the cause of the organ malfunction, eliminate it and prescribe restorative therapy. DI can occur due to poor nutrition, bad habits. Therefore, to eliminate this pathology, it is necessary to completely reconsider your lifestyle.

Diet for diffuse changes in the pancreas

Therapeutic nutrition depends on the final diagnosis. Changes can be caused by pancreatitis, diabetes or other dangerous diseases, the treatment of which is long-term and requires a special diet.

But, regardless of the disease, a patient with diffuse changes in the pancreas should know that the organ categorically does not tolerate alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages will lead to an exacerbation of painful symptoms and a deterioration in the condition. All patients with diffuse changes in the pancreas should adhere to a low-calorie diet based on plant foods, cereals and fermented milk products. At the same time, it is necessary to completely abandon smoked, salted foods and seasonings that enhance taste and appetite. Nutrition should be moderate, preventing abundant secretion of digestive juices, as this can provoke attacks of pancreatitis.

DIPZ may indicate developing diabetes. It is necessary to completely exclude rapidly digestible carbohydrates from the diet: sweets, sweet fruits. The therapeutic diet for diseases of the pancreas should consist of grain products, fruits and vegetables. That is, in the presence of diffuse changes in the pancreas, the diet is prescribed immediately. Nutrition is adjusted depending on the disease that led to changes in the pancreas.

Prohibited products:

• Any alcoholic beverages, even in small quantities.
• Spicy, fatty, sweet, salty, fried, smoked.
• Packaged juices, canned goods, seasonings, sausages.

Allowed products:

• Vegetables and fruits (it is better to limit the consumption of citrus fruits, as they contain a lot of sugar, this applies to bananas and grapes).
• Lean meats and fish.
• Fermented milk and dairy products.
• Cereal products, porridge.

Portions should be small, it is recommended to eat more often, but in smaller portions. It is better to steam food and it is strictly forbidden to overeat. Eating salty food leads to salt deposits in tissues, so it is better to refuse salt, this also applies to sugar. It is forbidden to eat dry food, but drinking should be moderate and throughout the day.

[ 48 ], [ 49 ]

Prevention

Prevention of diffuse changes in the pancreas involves following a number of rules.

• Alcohol, smoking, irregular meals and fatty foods negatively affect the functioning of the pancreas.
• Regular consumption of herbal teas is an excellent prevention of diffuse changes in the organ. At the first symptoms of pain, it is necessary to give up fatty, salty and sweet foods.
• The diet should be varied, but healthy. It is necessary to eat fractionally - five to six times a day, but in small portions. It is important to observe moderation in food.
• If you have any gastrointestinal diseases, you should undergo regular examinations and consult with your doctor.

Compliance with all the above-described preventive measures will prevent the occurrence of DIPJ and allow the organ to function normally.

[ 50 ]

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the results of additional tests. So, if the patient has minor, mild or moderate DIPE, then this does not require special treatment. It is enough to follow a diet and undergo regular examinations to diagnose the condition.

If the changes are diffuse, pronounced or focal, this indicates a pathological process in the body. Treatment can be both conservative and surgical. For this, the doctor conducts additional diagnostics, based on the results of which he makes a treatment plan. The prognosis for this pathology is usually positive. Timely treatment and compliance with preventive measures help maintain the functionality of the organ.

Diffuse changes in the pancreas are not a cause for concern. Since in most cases, changes indicate natural processes in the body. But in case of pain and other negative symptoms, the doctor conducts additional studies to detect the causes of DIPJ and eliminate them.

[ 51 ], [ 52 ], [ 53 ]