Ultrasonic evaluation of the pancreatic duct.
In a prospective ultrasound study of 253 patients, the lumen of the normal pancreatic duct of Wirsung could be demonstrated in 82% of the patients. The mean diameter of the normal pancreatic duct (of Wirsung) was 1.3 mm. The duct of Santorini occasionally could be demonstrated. A duct of Wirsung greater than 2 mm in diameter should be considered dilated. The pancreatic duct is dilated in most patients with acute pancreatitis, in some patients with chronic pancreatitis, and in some patients with pancreatic tumor.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography