Pancreatic echogenicity in premature and newborn infants
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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
A System for ex vivo Culturing of Embryonic Pancreas
Published on: August 27, 2012
E Walsh1, B Cramer, C Pushpanathan
1Department of Radiology, and Pathology, Dr. Charles A. Janeway Child Health Centre, Memorial University, St. John's Newfoundland, Canada.
Insights
Normal pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates is typically hyperechoic compared to the liver. This finding on ultrasound does not necessarily indicate underlying pancreatic disease in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neonatal Imaging
- Gastrointestinal Ultrasound
Background:
- Limited data exists on pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates.
- Understanding normal pancreatic ultrasound findings is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates.
- To compare findings with control groups of older children and infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 65 premature infants and neonates.
- Comparison with control groups (25 infants, 35 older children).
- Pancreatic echogenicity graded relative to hepatic echogenicity.
Main Results:
- 71% of premature infants and neonates showed hyperechoic pancreas initially.
- Control groups had only 5% hyperechoic pancreas.
- Follow-up showed normalization to isoechoic in most cases.
Conclusions:
- Normal pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates is frequently hyperechoic relative to the liver.
- Hyperechogenicity is a common finding and not indicative of disease in this population.
Abstract:
Little information is available regarding pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates. We prospectively studied 65 patients (30 premature infants and 35 neonates) and compared pancreatic echogenicity to a control group of 25 infants and 35 older children. Pancreatic echogenicity was graded relative to hepatic echogenicity measured at a similar depth. In the premature infants and neonates the initial ultrasounds were hyperechoic in 71% compared to 5% in both control groups. Follow up ultrasounds were obtained in 73% of the premature infants and 17% of the neonates. The pancreatic echogenicity became isoechoic in 14 of 19 premature infants and 3 of 4 neonates in whom the initial ultrasound was hyperechoic. We conclude that the normal pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates is usually hyperechoic relative to liver. Pancreatic hyperechogenicity in premature infants and neonates is not necessarily indicative of disease.
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