Ultrasound examination of the pancreas is considered to be the most common, highly effective, and also generally available diagnostic method.
Indications for the purpose of the study are:
- regular intense pain in the upper abdomen, in the hypochondrium, left side;
- Suspicion of any pathology of the organ (cyst, tumor, pancreatitis, stones in the ducts);
- the change in the loop contours and forms of the duodenum revealed during X-ray examination;
changes in the posterior gastric wall revealed during gastroscopy;
- a functional organ change found in the course of laboratory research;
- tenderness in the epigastric zone during palpation;
- sudden weight loss;
- jaundice;
- upset of the chair.
The aim of ultrasound of the pancreas is to measureshape and size of the organ, evaluation of the uniformity of the parenchyma, and the establishment of changes in the structure. In addition, the study can identify neoplasms, determine their location and quality indicators.
Ultrasound of the pancreas. Preparation
Before the study for three days, the patient shouldobserve a diet. On the eve of the morning examination, the patient should take a laxative. Until seven o'clock it's easy to have dinner. In this diet should not be fruit, raw vegetables, milk. Directly on the day of pancreatic ultrasound, you should not use liquid (including alcohol), eat, smoke, take medication.
The duration of the study is approximately ten minutes.
To conduct an ultrasound of the pancreas to the patientIt is necessary to undress to the waist. The doctor applies a special gel on the abdomen. The procedure is carried out in a horizontal position. Breathing is delayed with a deep breath, because in this state, the left lobe of the lobe is lowered into the abdominal cavity.
Using an ultrasonic sensorstudy of the left upper abdomen and left side. If necessary, ultrasound of the pancreas can be performed in the patient's position on the left side (or right), as well as standing.
The study of the organ involves the study of itslocation with respect to the spine and vessels, the definition of its shape and size. In addition, the pancreatic duct, the echostructure of the gland is examined, and the presence of focal changes is noted.
The organ in healthy condition is located on thethe level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae behind the peritoneum. The largest area of the gland is its head. The increase in the organ is ascertained with a head size of more than thirty-five millimeters, the body more than twenty-five millimeters, the tail more than thirty millimeters. This state of the body indicates the development of pathology.
In the echostructure (a combination of echogenic factors)the body is dominated by insignificant echoes, evenly distributed over it. Intensity is like a hepatic echostructure. In view of fibroticization (consolidation) and formation of fatty deposits against the background of age-related changes, it is increasing.
Changes in ehostrukture indicatedevelopment of pathological processes. Thus, acute pancreatitis is accompanied by its decrease and the occurrence of pancreatic edema. The chronic form of this disease, as well as the formation of a malignant neoplasm, provoke an intensification of the echostructure. This is due to the presence of cicatricial changes and the development of fibrosis.
Quality ultrasoundStudies can interfere with the gases in the intestine and stomach. In the case of susceptibility of the patient to increased gas production, he is recommended to take activated charcoal on the night before the examination.
