Microangiography and dynamic computed tomography in experimental chronic pancreatitis in the pig

Chronic pancreatitis was induced in 22 piglets by dividing all pancreatic attachments to the duodenum. Ten piglets served as controls. The animals were subjected to dynamic computed tomography (CT) two, four or six weeks after operation. Microangiography was also performed on the pancreas two, four or six weeks after operation, following dynamic computed tomography. Microangiography revealed significant changes in the vasculature in advanced chronic pancreatitis. The arteries and arterioles were fewer than normal, their walls were thickened and their diameters exhibited variation. The capillary network was loose and the capillaries were not as well filled as in healthy animals. Contrast enhancement of the pancreas was, however, similar in all experimental animals to that in the healthy controls. It was concluded that the morphological changes seen in chronic pancreatitis histologically and on microangiography could not adversely affect contrast-enhanced CT because there were no changes in the function of the capillary network. On the basis of these results, dynamic CT should give no more information than CT with intravenous contrast medium in chronic pancreatitis.