Utility of ultrasound in acute pancreatitis

David P. Burrowes, Hailey H. Choi, Shuchi K. Rodgers, David T. Fetzer, Aya Kamaya

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ultrasound plays an essential role in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected or confirmed acute pancreatitis. In addition to evaluation of the pancreatic parenchyma, ultrasound is used for assessment of the gallbladder, biliary tree, peripancreatic tissues, and regional vascular structures. While enlarged and edematous pancreas are classic sonographic features of acute pancreatitis, the pancreas may appear sonographically normal in the setting of acute pancreatitis. Nonetheless, sonographic evaluation in this setting is valuable because assessment for etiologic factors such as gallstones or evidence of biliary obstruction are best performed with ultrasound. Complications of pancreatitis such as peripancreatic fluid collections, venous thrombosis, or arterial pseudoaneurysm can be identified with careful and focused ultrasound examination. Knowledge of various scanning techniques can help to mitigate some of the commonly encountered barriers to sonographic visualization of the pancreas and right upper quadrant structures. Ultrasound can also be used for guidance of percutaneous treatment such as drainage of fluid collections or pseudoaneurysm thrombosis. Difficulty in differentiating edematous from necrotizing pancreatitis can be mitigated with the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess pancreatic parenchymal enhancement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1253-1264
Number of pages12
JournalAbdominal Radiology
Volume45
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2020

Keywords

  • Bile duct
  • Gallstones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Sonographic technique
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Gastroenterology
  • Urology

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