| Theme |
Chronic Pancreatitis |
| Title |
Imaging Diagnosis for Chronic Pancreatitis |
| Author |
Nami Nakamura |
Division of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer Center |
| Author |
Taketo Yamaguchi |
Division of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer Center |
| Author |
Kentaro Sudo |
Division of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer Center |
| Author |
Kazuyoshi Nakamura |
Division of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer Center |
| Author |
Taro Hara |
Division of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer Center |
| Author |
Tadamichi Denda |
Division of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Imaging examination plays an essential role in diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) as defined in the Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria for CP of 2009. In relation to this criteria, one or more findings of specific images of pancreatic stones observed with abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computerized tomography (CT) result in production of a definite diagnosis of CP. The presence of intraductal proteins plugs observed with US is considered to be probable evidence of CP. Irregular dilatation of the main pancreatic duct and branches of variable magnitude, may be observed with scattered distribution throughout the entire pancreas with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Pancreatic deformities with irregular contours, as observed with CTs may also contribute to the diagnosis of CP. Since the clinical and pathological characteristics of CP can vary with the progress of the disease, continual follow-ups based on imaging diagnosis are important for the management of this disease. Imaging diagnosis is crucial for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer which arises concomitantly with CP. |