Ultrasonography of the pancreas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I

Fifty-seven patients with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN-1) syndrome underwent sonographic examinations, and focal pancreatic lesions were demonstrated in 18 (33%). Size ranged from 5 to 65 mm in diameter, and multiple lesions were seen in five patients. Eight patients with pancreatic lesions less than 20 mm have been followed over a period of 1 to 6 years. Of these eight patients, only one had a lesion that increased in size. Ultrasonography was able to detect asymptomatic pancreatic tumors in a higher proportion of MEN-1 patients than previously. Sonography is a useful method of detecting islet cell tumors greater than 5 mm in diameter and is able to follow up these lesions to assess increase in lesion size and number.