Ultrasonography of pancreatic lithiasis

The ultrasonograms of 13 patients with pancreatic lithiasis associated with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis were reviewed and compared with the abdominal radiographs. Although plain radiographs were sufficient to establish the presence of pancreatic calcifications, in many cases ultrasound provided the additional information concerning duct dilatation and lithiasis in the main duct. The progressive formation of stones with extrusion into the duct of Wirsung was observed in one case. Ultrasound enabled assessment of pancreatic size and detection of focal enlargement or associated carcinoma. Ultrasound serves as a useful guide to appropriate clinical management in patients with this disease.