Increased echogenicity of the pancreas: what does it mean

Echogenicity is an important indicator in the studyinternal organs of the human body. With its help, one can estimate the density of the object under study. If the organ increases or decreases echogenicity, this is an occasion to turn to specialists. For example, increased echogenicity of the pancreas - what does it mean, what actions need to be taken in case of its detection.

Gall bladder, endocrine glands,the bladder, various kinds of cysts, etc., are liquid structures. They are uniform, and therefore waves of ultrasound pass freely through them, while not reflecting them. That is, such liquid structures are echo negative, even if the power of ultrasound is amplified. On the contrary, dense structures (bones, concrements, etc.) are echo-positive, since they do not transmit ultrasound through themselves, completely reflecting it. In carrying out the study, a parenchyma of the liver is taken as a sample of echogenicity. It is with its indicators that the echogenicity of such organs as kidneys, pancreas is compared. Among other organs capable of reflecting ultrasound signals, the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, etc.

If in a medical document when researching youhave written "increased echogenicity of the pancreas," the doctor may suspect an inflammatory process or the appearance of edema. Among the diseases of this organ that change echogenicity, also increased gas formation, calcification of the gland, tumors of various origin and etiology. A pancreatic tumor can appear due to changes in the cells of the endocrine, exocrine parts. 95% of malignant neoplasm accounts for the last group of these cells, whereas endocrine ones are much less common.

Echogenicity of the pancreas in normalthe state will be homogeneous. But with pancreatitis (acute, chronic), with portal hypertension, the echogenicity of the parenchyma of the gland increases. If the size of this organ is not increased, and the echogenicity of the pancreas is increased, this may indicate lipomatosis, when part of its tissues are replaced by fat. Sometimes such a disease occurs in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.

When the size of the gland decreases, such diffusechanges can talk about fibrosis, that is, replacement of the gland tissues with a fibrous (connective) tissue. Most often this happens when a person has had inflammation in the pancreas or has a metabolic disorder.

Increased echogenicity of the pancreaswith other results of studies and examinations of the patient enable the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. On the basis of only one ultrasound, which diagnosed "echogenicity of the pancreas is increased," treatment is not prescribed, because this symptom can indicate a number of diseases of this organ.

When the pancreas is healthy, it is a dayproduces more than a liter of pancreatic juice, which helps in the digestion of food. If an increased echogenicity of the pancreas or other changes in the activity of the organ is detected, digestion is disrupted, which leads to serious health problems. After all, the digestive juice produced by the pancreas, in addition to digesting fats, carbohydrates, proteins, also produces insulin, which helps the tissues to fully absorb glucose. It's not for nothing that the pancreas is also called a body of secretion (external and internal). Therefore, it is so important to start treatment on time if the doctor told you after the examination that the echogenicity of the pancreas has increased.

Any changes in the pancreas,revealed during an ultrasound study, should be confirmed by other diagnostic examinations. Only after this, complex therapy is prescribed.