Ultrasound signs of normal pancreas
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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The pancreas has the same echogenicity as the adjacent liver. And should look homogeneous. Nevertheless, the echogenicity of the pancreas increases with age. The outline of the normal pancreas is even.
With ultrasound of the pancreas, the following anatomical landmarks should be used in a certain order:
- Aorta.
- Lower hollow vein.
- Upper mesenteric artery.
- Splenic vein.
- Upper mesenteric vein.
- The wall of the stomach.
- Common bile duct.
Especially important reference points are the superior mesenteric artery and splenic vein.
The normal size of the pancreas
There is a significant variability in the size and shape of the pancreas. These recommendations can be useful.
- The average diameter of the head of the pancreas (A): 2.8 cm.
- The median diameter of the medial part of the body of the pancreas (B): less than 2.0 cm.
- The average diameter of the tail of the pancreas (C): 2.5 cm.
- The diameter of the pancreatic duct should not exceed 2 mm. Its contour is normally even, and the wall and cavity are determined. An additional pancreatic duct is rarely visualized.