[Computed tomographic morphometry of the normal pancreas in adults]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Gerontology

Background:

• The pancreas is a vital organ with a complex anatomical structure.
• Understanding normal pancreatic morphology is crucial for accurate diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.
• Age-related changes in organs can affect their appearance on imaging studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between age and the morphology of the normal pancreas using computed tomography (CT).
• To quantify age-related changes in specific pancreatic measurements and appearance.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted on 200 healthy individuals aged 19 to 87 years.
• Pancreatic morphology was assessed using CT scans, analyzing parameters such as anteroposterior (A.P.) diameter, vertebral body/pancreas ratio, cranio-caudal diameter, contour, and structure.
• Measurements were correlated with the age of the participants.

Main Results:

• Significant age-related changes were observed in pancreatic morphology.
• The vertebral body/pancreas ratio showed the most pronounced age-related alteration.
• All other analyzed measurements, including A.P. diameter and cranio-caudal diameter, demonstrated a reduction with increasing age.
• Pancreatic contour became more lobulated, and the structure shifted from homogeneous to inhomogeneous with advancing age.

Conclusions:

• Age significantly influences the morphology of the normal pancreas as visualized by CT.
• The observed CT findings of pancreatic aging correlate with known pathological-anatomical observations.
• These age-related morphological changes should be considered in the radiological assessment of the pancreas.