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Ultrasound signs of a normal pancreas
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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The pancreas has the same echogenicity as the adjacent liver and should appear homogeneous. However, the echogenicity of the pancreas increases with age. The contour of the normal pancreas is smooth.
When performing an ultrasound examination of the pancreas, it is necessary to use the following anatomical landmarks in a specific order:
- Aorta.
- Inferior vena cava.
- Superior mesenteric artery.
- Splenic vein.
- Superior mesenteric vein.
- Stomach wall.
- Common bile duct.
Particularly important landmarks are the superior mesenteric artery and the splenic vein.
Normal sizes of the pancreas
There is considerable variability in the size and shape of the pancreas. These guidelines may be helpful.
- Average diameter of the head of the pancreas (A): 2.8 cm.
- Average diameter of the medial part of the body of the pancreas (B): less than 2.0 cm.
- 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 smooth, and both the wall and the cavity are defined. An additional pancreatic duct is rarely visualized.