Ultrasonic visualization of the pancreatic duct.

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Abstract
The frequency and significance of pancreatic duct visualization [in patients] by ultrasonography were correlated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or pancreatic computed tomography. The normal pancreatic duct had parallel walls and was < 2 mm in internal diameter in the region of the body of the pancreas. The abnormal pancreatic duct had an internal diameter of 2 mm or greater or had walls that were nonparallel or convex outward (focal dilatation or beading). Pancreatic ducts were identified in .apprx. 1/2 of all patients evaluated. Failure to visualize an abnormally dilated pancreatic duct was secondary to distortion of pancreatic anatomy from large or multiple pseudocysts, calcific deposits within the pancreas or technically poor visualization of the pancreas.