Diagnostic Ultrasound - Abdomen and Pelvis

Approach to Pancreatic Sonography
Diagnoses: Pancreas
(Left) Transverse supine
ultrasound of the pancreatic
head, neck, and proximal body
shows that portions of the
head ſt and distal body
are not well visualized in this
position. (Right) Ultrasound
obtained in the same patient
in a semierect position shows
improved visualization of the
pancreatic head margin ſt,
and more of the body is now
visible .
(Left) Transverse US of the
uncinate, head, neck, and body
shows the superior mesenteric
vein situated between the
neck ſt and uncinate process
st. The pancreatic duct
and distal common bile duct
are visible just proximal to
the major papilla. (Right)
Transverse US shows a normal
pancreatic duct ſt as a thin,
echogenic line partially visible
in the body/neck region. Other
structures typically visible at
this level include the common
bile duct , IVC st, aorta ,
SMA , splenic vein , and
left renal vein .
(Left) Longitudinal midline
ultrasound shows the
separation of the pancreatic
neck ſt and uncinate st by
the superior mesenteric vein
. The aorta is visible
posteriorly . (Right)
Longitudinal US obtained in
the left paramidline upper
abdomen shows the
midpancreatic body ſt,
hyperechoic to the adjacent
liver . The splenic vein is
an easily recognizable
landmark along the posterior
margin of the gland.
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