What does increased echogenicity of the pancreas mean. Echogenicity of the pancreas is increased: what is it and how to cure it

Complaints of a person about severe pain in the left hypochondrium often indicate inflammation of the pancreas. Examination of the patient begins with an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. A diagnostic method based on measuring the intensity of the reflection of sound waves from the surface of organ tissues makes it possible to identify the smallest deviations in the functioning of the digestive system.

Assessing the echogram and morphological parameters of tissues, it is difficult for a doctor to make a mistake. The images that the sonographer creates during the study are different in color. Light tones indicate the presence of seals in the organ, dark and black ones indicate liquid formations. A healthy pancreas, due to its homogeneous watery structure, is displayed in dark colors. The reverse picture indicates pathological changes, diseases of the organ.

If you have been diagnosed with increased pancreatic echogenicity, then carefully study the information below.

What is echogenicity

Echogenicity is a sign system of uzists, which allows you to establish the correspondence of the anatomy of organs to the level of reflection and absorption of high frequency waves. For liquid tissues of the pancreas, an average indicator of echogenicity is characteristic. The echo density of the liver parenchyma is used as a sample of the norm.

With the help of ultrasound, it is possible not only to determine the degree of perception of high-frequency waves by the internal organs, but also to obtain information about other equally important parameters. During the study of the gland, the following parameters are carefully studied:

• The size.
• The form.
• Structure.
• Circuit.

When determining the volume of the pancreas, the length of the head, body and tail is calculated. Ideally, they should not exceed 30, 24 and 25 mm, respectively. An increase in the latter indicates local or general inflammation in the organ. Abnormally large sizes are a typical sign of pancreatitis. The reasons for the increased size can also be: abdominal trauma, cystic fibrosis, biliary dyskinesia, hepatitis, infectious diseases. Local changes are associated with malignant tumors and cysts.

In appearance, the digestive gland resembles a comma and has an oblong shape. Sometimes there is a thickening in the head area. Ring-shaped, additional, split forms - deviations from the norm. Improper development of the organs of the digestive system is associated with violations of the processes of embryogenesis.

As for the external contours, they must be clearly defined in the longitudinal and transverse sections. Blurring of any of the departments of the gland may indicate the development of an inflammatory process. Blurred outlines and edema also cause diseases of the organs adjacent to the pancreas (gastric and duodenal ulcers). Roughness of the borders creates tumors, cysts, stones. The contours of malignant tumors are bumpy, vague.

The structure of the digestive gland should be homogeneous, fine-grained. Having found single fatty inclusions or numerous calcifications and pseudocysts in the organ, the doctor has every reason to suspect fibrolipomatosis and chronic pancreatitis in the patient.

Inadequate preparation of the person himself can lead to errors in the results of research. Three days before the procedure, the patient must adhere to a diet that excludes the possibility of increased gas formation. For prevention, patients are advised to take adsorbents. On the day of the procedure, it is advisable to empty the intestines and limit food intake.

What does increased echogenicity mean?

A non-standard increase in the recoil force of the waves indicates a compaction of the parenchyma and a reduction in the amount of fluid in it. Diffuse hyperechogenicity, the causes of which are external factors, is not considered a pathology. Most often, it manifests itself in the hot season, after eating hot and plentiful food, during colds.

Echogenicity increases markedly with inflammation. A cause for concern may be: tumors, metastases, calcium deposits and stones, cysts, fibrosis. Such inclusions are the consequences of ignoring the early symptoms of pancreatitis.

A number of parameters indicate acute pancreatitis:

• General increase in the size of the organ.
• Presence of large echogenic areas.
• Structural inhomogeneity.
• Exceeding the width of the duct of the gland.
• Blurring of borders.

A more severe form of the disease involves a change in the density and contours of neighboring organs. Perhaps the formation of pseudocysts.

When making a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, the following picture is observed:

• Slightly increased echogenicity.
• The width of the duct increases by more than 2 mm.
• The size of the gland itself grows.
• Unclear outline.
• heterogeneous structure.
• There is fluid in the omental sac behind the stomach.

The disease may be accompanied by the formation of stones. In the picture, they appear as spots with an echogenic trace. Progressive disease is easy to notice due to the significant discrepancy between the ratio of the size of the gland to the Wirsung duct. The latter is strongly swollen in width.

Parameters such as increased echogenicity and blurring of the contour suggest that healthy cells in the organ have replaced fat, which happens with lipomatosis. Hyperechogenicity along with a decrease in the pancreas indicate the development of fibrosis. The growth of connective tissue and its replacement of normal cells is accompanied by the appearance of scars.

For an accurate diagnosis of a patient, one method of ultrasound is not enough. The patient is sent for ancillary procedures: magnetic resonance or computed tomography, laparoscopy or biopsy.

Structure heterogeneity

In a healthy person, pancreatic tissue is homogeneous, fine-grained, homogeneous. The echostructure suspiciously increases in subacute and chronic pancreatitis, cysts and tumors.

Acute interstitial pancreatitis is often diagnosed in people who abuse alcoholic beverages and fatty high-calorie foods. On palpation, they feel sharp pains. Unpleasant symptoms are associated with swelling of the gland. A person’s complaints of cramps in the upper abdomen may serve as a referral to a doctor.

Severe pain in the left or right hypochondrium occurs with chronic pancreatitis. During periods of exacerbation of the disease, the patient has an increase in temperature, a violation of blood pressure, a change in the color of the skin and sclera (jaundice). The patient is worried about constant nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite. In addition to malnutrition, the following diseases can affect the development of pancreatitis:

There are many lovers of alcoholic beverages among men, so the likelihood of chronic pancreatitis in a strong half of humanity is much higher than in women.

Heterogeneity of the structure in children

Changes in the homogeneity of the structure of the pancreas often occur in childhood. They are manifested by malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract. Violations occur due to spasms of the ducts of the gland and increased activity of enzymes. The obstructed outflow of the latter causes swelling of the pancreas in a child.

This form of the disease occurs even in babies of 1 year of age. This can be blamed on parents who do not follow the schedule for the introduction of complementary foods (early inclusion of meat and fish dishes in the menu).

Why deviations are dangerous

Neglect of pancreatitis can increase the risk of new foci of inflammation. The combination of diseases affects the general state of human health. Disability is a critical manifestation of complications.

If the treatment of the disease is not started at its early stage, pancreatic enzymes enter the bloodstream and create conditions for infection of other organs. Several diseases find an appropriate response:

• Liver and kidney failure.
• Bleeding in the stomach and intestines, erosion, ulcers.
• DIC (blood clotting disorder).
• Purulent-necrotic parapancreatitis.
• mechanical jaundice.
• hepatosis of the liver.
• Cholangitis, cholecystitis.
• Abscess of the abdomen.

Necrosis of the parenchyma of the gland develops tumors and cysts. Malignant tumors often appear in older men. Unusual thinness, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen are the main symptoms of the disease. Only adequate timely therapy can reduce the chances of such complications.

How to treat

A gastroenterologist will be able to give a specific interpretation of the term "increased echogenicity". To begin with, he will verify the accuracy of the ultrasound data, exclude the manifestation of a diffusely heterogeneous structure of the gland.

Treatment is prescribed after finding out the cause of hyperechogenicity. Additional analyzes and studies will help clarify it. With a short interval of time, a person undergoes a second ultrasound.

When confirming any form of pancreatitis, the patient is recommended hospitalization. Depending on the severity of the disease, he can be prescribed: antispasmodics, antisecretory drugs, pancreatic enzymes, vitamin complexes. It is essential that the patient follow a proper diet. Even very small portions of fried, smoked and fatty foods can increase the picture of unpleasant symptoms. Under the absolute ban in patients is alcohol.

The ultrasound method of examination is widely used in the diagnosis of most somatic diseases. The constant progress in this field of medicine allows expanding diagnostic capabilities and increasing their significance and reliability. In the ultrasound protocol, you can often find such a phrase as increased echogenicity of a particular organ. The reasons for this conclusion can be both functional, that is, reversible, in nature, and indicate a serious pathology.

Echogenicity of the organ in ultrasound

Echogenicity is understood as the ability of the organ under study to reflect ultrasonic high-frequency waves emitted by the sensor. First of all, it depends on the following acoustic properties of the examined object:

• sound conductivity;
• absorption capacity;
• reflection;
• refraction.

A direct relationship between the morphological and ultrasonic structure of an organ is indicated: the more fluid it contains, the lower the echogenicity and, conversely, the less fluid, the higher the echogenicity.

There are such types of echogenicity of education:

• isoechoic (characterizes a homogeneous structure that has the same density with the surrounding tissues and organs);
• hypoechoic (the term describes an object that has a weak reflectivity and has a lower density than adjacent structures);
• anechoic or sound-transparent (in this case, echo signals are completely absent; as a rule, this phenomenon is characteristic of ultrasound passing through a liquid medium (gall or bladder));
• hyperechoic (the term describes an object that has a high density, which exceeds that of adjacent formations);
• distal "shadow" (visualized when there are no echoes behind the hyperechoic structure (for example, with a calculus in the gallbladder)).

Not always increased echogenicity should be considered a pathology, since it is rather a conditional term. This is due to the fact that each organ has its own density and, therefore, echogenicity. A competent specialist knows the characteristics of each structure, which allows him to differentiate the norm from deviations.

Echogenicity of individual organs on ultrasound

Performing the procedure, the doctor of ultrasound diagnostics evaluates the size of the organ, its contours, homogeneity and necessarily the degree of echogenicity, which may indicate the presence of various pathological processes in the object under study.

Changes in the structure of the pancreas

Normally, the pancreas is located in the projection of the epigastric region and has the following echo signs.

• The echogenicity of the pancreatic parenchyma is comparable to that of the liver and is designated as medium. With age, the gland undergoes changes, and the parenchyma becomes more dense.
• Usually, the organ is represented by a “dumbbell-shaped” or “sausage-shaped” shape (due to the fact that the gland consists of a head, body and tail).
• The contours are clear and even, well delimited from the surrounding tissues and structures.
• The echostructure is homogeneous and fine-grained (other variants are possible: homogeneous or coarse-grained).
• Wirsung's duct has the form of an oblong anechoic cord, the diameter of which normally ranges from 1.6 to 2.6 mm.

It is possible to say that the echogenicity of the pancreas is increased when its color on the device screen has a whiter tint and is in brighter ranges than the color of the liver tissue.

Common causes of hyperechogenicity are listed below.

• Interstitial glandular edema due to acute reactive pancreatitis. In addition to a change in density, an increase in the size of the organ is also observed.
• Increased echogenicity of the pancreas will be with pancreatic necrosis. In this case, against the background of heterogeneous hyperechoic changes, hypo- and anechoic areas are visualized, indicating necrosis.
• Diffuse fibrosis as a result of chronic (autoimmune, alcoholic, infectious, drug) pancreatitis. The changes are based on the replacement of normal organ tissue with connective tissue.
• The echogenicity of the pancreas will be significantly increased with lipomatosis (fatty infiltration of the organ). The gland has blurred contours and a fairly light or even white tint compared to other formations.
• Diabetes mellitus, in which more than 90% of the organ tissue is destroyed.

Echostructure of the uterus and its changes

Normally, monthly cyclic changes occur in the uterus under the influence of hormones from the pituitary gland and ovaries. As a result, she has different indicators on ultrasound, correlating with the phase of the menstrual cycle.

The organ is pear-shaped, and in women who have given birth, it tends to be round. Normal myometrium is characterized by an average echogenicity, which is comparable to that of a healthy liver and pancreas.

The endometrium undergoes pronounced functional changes.

• On the 5-7th day of the cycle, it has a lower echogenicity and a homogeneous structure. In the center of the uterus, a thin line with a hyperechoic signal is visualized, which is the junction of the posterior and anterior layers of the inner shell.
• By the 8-10th day, the echostructure of the endometrium practically does not change, only some thickening is noted.
• On the 11-14th day, its density increases, which corresponds to the average echogenicity.
• Until the 15-18th day, the density of the shell grows slowly.
• On days 19-23, the endometrium can be characterized as hyperechoic, making the central line almost invisible.
• By the end of the period, the inner lining of the uterus has a hyperechoic and heterogeneous structure.

The causes of increased echogenicity of the uterus are most often: inflammation, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis and a malignant neoplastic process. The endometrium, on the other hand, becomes hyperechoic on certain days of the cycle, as well as as a result of inflammation, the appearance of a malignant neoplasm or adenomyosis in it, or during pregnancy (hypertrophy of the functional layer and glands occurs).

Changes in the ovaries

This paired organ is located in the pelvic cavity and communicates with the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Similar to the endometrium, the ovaries also undergo a large number of changes associated with the menstrual cycle.

Normally, they have an ovoid shape, a bumpy contour due to growing follicles, a hypoechoic structure with anechoic rounded inclusions along the periphery.

Echogenicity of the ovaries often increases with diffuse sclerosis (as in Stein-Leventhal syndrome), prolonged and sluggish inflammation, and also with their malignant degeneration.

Changes in the structure of the mammary glands

The mammary glands of a woman are an important organ of the reproductive system, which needs special attention. Due to the growth of malignant neoplasms, mammologists recommend an annual screening examination of the mammary glands using mammography or ultrasound.

Such glands are also prone to cyclic changes, and their normal echostructure depends on the age of the woman.

• In the reproductive period (from 18 to 35 years), the glandular tissue is represented by a homogeneous fine-grained formation of increased or medium echogenicity, in the thickness of which tubular anechoic structures (milky ducts) are visible.
• In late reproductive age, a rather thick hypoechoic layer is visualized, represented by subcutaneous fatty tissue. Connective tissue is located around it, visible on ultrasound in the form of a hyperechoic rim.
• In women over 55 years of age, the substance of the mammary gland is replaced mainly by adipose tissue, which also finds its reflection on the screen of the ultrasound machine. The gland corresponds to a hypoechoic area with rare hyperechoic rounded inclusions.

The reasons for the pathological increase in echogenicity of the mammary glands are listed below.

• Mastopathy resulting from hormonal imbalance. In this case, an increase in echogenicity is associated with the growth of fibrous tissue (both diffusely and in the form of nodules).
• Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor of the mammary glands, occurring mainly in women of reproductive age. Most often, this is a solitary formation with a high content of connective tissue fibers, which makes it hyperechoic on echography. Although the literature indicates that this neoplasm may have different echogenicity.
• Advanced forms of mastitis - non-specific inflammation of the tissue of the glandular organ. In the later stages of the disease, the mammary gland has a large number of hyperechoic inclusions with a similar dense capsule.

Increased echogenicity of the kidneys

The echostructure of healthy kidneys is heterogeneous due to the presence of the medulla and cortical layer. The contours are smooth and clearly delimited from the surrounding formations. Normally, the pelvis and calyx are practically not visualized. The "contents" of the ureters have a reduced echogenicity, and their walls are represented by a light echo signal.

The reasons for the increase in the reflectivity of the kidneys are presented below.

• Neoplasms. Moreover, the unevenness of the contours indicates the malignant nature of the tumor.
• Moderately increased echogenicity of the kidneys indicates dysmetabolic nephropathy (that is, sand in the kidneys).
• Calculi are defined as hyperechoic areas of various sizes and shapes.
• Triangular hyperechoic zones in the kidney parenchyma are a sign of hemorrhage.
• An increase in the density of the organ (due to edema) is observed in acute pyelonephritis.

On normal echograms, the liver parenchyma appears to be a homogeneous structure of average echogenicity and is considered a standard for comparing the echogenicity of the pancreas and kidneys. Its contour is even and is a clear linear hyperechoic signal on all sections.

Echogenicity of the liver is increased with:

• chronic hepatitis of various origins;
• hereditary Gaucher disease (based on lysosomal enzyme deficiency);
• Wilson-Konovalov disease (copper accumulates in the liver);
• congenital and acquired liver fibrosis;
• cirrhosis;
• liver echogenicity is also increased in antitrypsin deficiency;

The structure of the gallbladder

The shape of the gallbladder is quite variable: from pear-shaped to cylindrical or ellipsoidal. It has a homogeneous anechoic structure. The wall of a healthy bladder is within 1-3 mm.

Causes of elevated echogenicity:

• acute and chronic cholecystitis;
• stagnation of bile (especially with hypomotor type of biliary dyskinesia);
• calculous cholecystitis (the density of the echo picture is due to the accumulation of hyperechoic stones);

Changes in the structure of the spleen

Located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, the spleen on the echogram is represented by a sickle-shaped formation with clear, even contours. Its parenchyma has a homogeneous structure and echogenicity, which is slightly higher than that of the liver and the cortical layer of the kidney. Despite the fact that the pathology of the spleen is quite rare, the following reasons for the amplification of its echo signal are distinguished:

• "old" heart attack (hemorrhage);
• calcifications (most often they appear with long-term use of drugs such as anticonvulsants, etc.).

Echogenicity of the thyroid parenchyma

During an ultrasound examination, the size, volume of the gland, as well as its structure and localization are assessed. Normally, the contours of the gland are even, with deformation in some places (in the region of the trachea). The lobes have a fine-grained hypoechoic structure. The isthmus is characterized by a slightly higher density. In color flow mode, you can see sections of blood vessels and distinguish them from follicles.

Increased echogenicity of the thyroid gland occurs when:

• chronic autoimmune and subacute thyroiditis;
• nodular and diffuse goiter;
• her malignant transformation.

Change in echogenicity during pregnancy

During the screening ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor may also detect some deviations in the density of important organs and structures.

Hyperechogenicity of the intestinal walls of the fetus often indicates its ischemia as a result of necrotizing enterocolitis or cystic fibrosis. An increase in the echo signal in the placenta can signal such serious problems as detachment or infarction of the membrane, the deposition of calcifications in it, which requires a change in the tactics of managing pregnancy and the upcoming birth. It is also possible to increase the ultrasound density of the amniotic fluid, for example, when meconium enters it.

An increase in the echo signal of an organ often indicates the presence of a pathology in it. However, it is possible to verify the diagnosis only after a complete and thorough examination. Do not forget that ultrasound is an additional method for diagnosing somatic diseases.

Today, you can often see the conclusion of an ultrasound scan, which indicates that there is an increased echogenicity of the pancreas. Some people, having learned about this, quickly try to find a treatment, the rest, on the contrary, consider this phenomenon to be completely unimportant. Nevertheless, such an ultrasound syndrome indicates a rather dangerous pathological process in the gland. It is not considered a diagnosis and requires prior consultation with a specialist.

What does echogenicity imply?

Echogenicity of the pancreas is a term used only in relation to the interpretation of ultrasound. Talks about the ability of the tissue targeted by ultrasound to reflect it. The reflected high-frequency sound is recorded by the same device that starts the waves. The difference between these two indicators creates an overall dynamics of different shades of gray, which can be observed on the screen of the device.

All organs have their own indicators of echogenicity, moreover, they can be homogeneous or not. The following relationship is noted: the denser the organ, the higher the echogenicity (displayed in a lighter shade). Liquid high-frequency sounds pass. This is called "echo-negativity", and structures of a liquid nature are called anechoic. For the urinary and gall bladders, heart cavities, gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, ventricles of the brain, this "behavior" is the norm.

Increased echogenicity of the pancreas is observed when there are not enough normal glandular cells inside the tissue of the organ (the fluid helps to reduce echogenicity, and these cells are saturated with it).

Such changes are noted locally and diffusely. In addition, certain factors can affect this indicator for a short time.

Causes of increased echogenicity

A diffuse change in the permeability of an organ tissue for ultrasound is a sign of a pathological process, but it also happens within acceptable limits. This is not typical for areas with increased echogenicity - this is often a pathology.

The echogenicity of the pancreatic parenchyma increases due to the following factors:

The formation of connective tissue inside the gland occurs mainly due to previous inflammation or metabolic failures. In this situation, the patient is able to recall cases of unstable stools, pain in the abdomen. Ultrasound can show not only an increase in echogenicity, but also a decrease in the size of the organ, the tuberosity of its outline.

Hyperechogenicity in the pancreas is a short-term phenomenon that manifests itself:

During these short-term conditions, the echogenicity of the organ is increased to a moderate degree, as opposed to pathological processes, when significant hyperechogenicity is noted.

Hyperechoic inclusions

These phenomena in the pancreas are:

Elimination of pathological hyperechogenicity

Therapy is prescribed when the diagnosis of factors that contributed to the transformation of tissues inside the gland is carried out. In a situation with acute and chronic pancreatitis, treatment is carried out in a clinical setting. Therapy of conditions, if the echogenicity of the organ is increased, can only be prescribed by a specialist who establishes the cause of such ultrasound symptoms:

There is currently no self-treatment of this pathology in the pancreas. The specialist diagnoses the cause of the change in the tissue, directs the treatment for its further elimination and restoration of the functioning of this organ. When the cause of these changes is diabetes mellitus, then the therapy will be aimed at maintaining the sugar content in the bloodstream, the patient is prescribed strict adherence to dietary nutrition.

In order to prevent problems in the future, you need to balance your diet, you should remove fatty and fried foods from the menu, give up addictions (alcohol abuse and smoking). In order not to miss the beginning of changes in the tissues of the pancreas, it is necessary from time to time to be examined by a specialist and take preventive measures.

After receiving the results of the ultrasound examination, the term “pancreatic echogenicity is increased” (decreased or normal) appears on the conclusion form. What is this property of an organ, and what does it say?

The principle of the ultrasound examination itself is ingeniously simple. It is based on the property of various body tissues to reflect ultrasonic waves (mechanical sound vibrations with a frequency above 20 thousand hertz). Dense fabrics do not transmit sound well, reflect it more, creating, as it were, an echo (reflection).

The ultrasound sensor directs ultrasonic waves to the organ and registers the waves reflected from the organ. The signal is transmitted to the transducer, then to the monitor.

The ability to reflect sound is called echogenicity, or echo density. The higher the density of tissues, the more they reflect sound and transmit less. These are hyperechoic tissues (bone and scar tissue, stones), that is, with high echogenicity. Less dense tissues that moderately reflect sound and partially transmit it are normoechoic (parenchymal organs: liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, prostate, ovaries, heart). Finally, liquid and gas-containing media almost completely absorb sound waves, but do not reflect them. These are hypoechoic organs (stomach, intestines, lungs, as well as hollow and liquid formations - cysts, hematomas, abscesses).

Important. The passage of ultrasonic waves does not cause any harm to either the gland or the body as a whole.

On the screen of the ultrasound machine, echo-positive (hyperechoic) images have a lighter color - from gray to white, and echo-negative images - dark, black.

What is the normal echogenicity of the pancreas?

When assessing the ultrasound of the pancreas, the degree of echogenicity of its parenchyma, the homogeneity of the structure, the presence of hyper- or hypoechoic formations in the tissue are determined.

Note. The parenchyma of the liver was taken as the standard of echo density of organs.

The doctor of ultrasound diagnostics is guided by the scale available in the apparatus, and if he has sufficient experience, he determines the degree of density of the organ “by eye”. Normal echogenicity of the pancreas has an average level and a homogeneous (homogeneous) structure, with the exception of the gland duct, which is visualized as an oblong hypoechoic shadow of a certain size.

Important. The conclusion about the echogenicity of the gland and its changes is given only by a doctor specializing in ultrasound diagnostics.

Why is echogenicity increased?

What does it mean - increased echogenicity of the pancreas? This occurs when the parenchyma thickens and reflects ultrasonic waves to a greater extent than normal tissue. This is an alarming signal that the following diseases “give”:

1. Chronic pancreatitis, when after each exacerbation the tissue of the gland becomes denser.
2. Lipomatosis of the gland, or fatty degeneration, when the normal parenchyma is replaced by adipose tissue.
3. Fibrosis of the parenchyma, its replacement with dense connective tissue (fibrous degeneration).
4. The presence of concrements (stones).
5. Diabetes mellitus with tissue dystrophy.
6. Tumor.

Hyperechogenicity is of 2 types: diffuse and focal.

Important. A diffuse increase in density can be temporary, transient, for example, during the hot season, after a heavy meal, or, conversely, during a "hungry" diet, during infections and with an increase in body temperature.

A focal increase in echo density is always a pathology: a tumor, metastases, areas of fibrosis, fatty degeneration, the presence of calcifications and stones. In these cases, usually after ultrasound, additional studies are prescribed (MRI, CT, laparoscopy, biopsy).

When is echogenicity reduced?

The decrease in the density of the gland can also be diffuse or focal. In the first case, the reflection of sound waves decreases with swelling of the gland, when it contains more fluid. This happens with acute pancreatitis, allergies, as well as a temporary nature - with an excess of fluid in the body (hypervolemia).

Focal hypoechoic areas can be with cystic changes in the parenchyma (presence of cavities), cysts of the gland, tumors, dilations of the ducts.

Important. Focal echogenicity in neoplasms of the gland can be either increased or decreased, depending on the type of tumor.

What is the heterogeneity of the structure of the gland?

The heterogeneous echostructure of the pancreas is formed from the alternation of areas of increased, normal and reduced echo density. This happens in a chronic inflammatory process, when areas of fibrosis form in the normal parenchyma, as well as in fatty and cystic degeneration, the presence of purulent foci.

The heterogeneous structure of the pancreas against the background of increased echogenicity is characteristic of chronic pancreatitis in the acute stage, diffuse fibrous degeneration, tumors and metastases in the parenchyma.

The conclusion of ultrasound about changes in the echogenicity of the gland is not a diagnosis, but only an additional research method. The diagnosis is made by a specialist taking into account all the examination data.

If an organ such as the pancreas has increased echogenicity, what does this mean for the patient? First you need to understand what this term means.

During an ultrasound examination, each organ reflects sound waves, so the doctor sees its shape on the screen. This is called echogenicity.

The pancreas has a heterogeneous dense structure. Sound waves do not pass through it as quickly as through internal organs with a homogeneous structure. Increased echogenicity of the pancreas can tell the doctor about some problems and diseases of the organ.

Causes of pathology

If an increased echogenicity of the pancreas is detected during an ultrasound examination, this does not indicate the mandatory development of a pathology or any disease. In some cases, the device may be wrong or the doctor will misinterpret the results.

The echogenicity of the pancreas is temporarily elevated under the following circumstances:

• pre-intake of a large amount of food;

• change in diet during the examination period;
• serious infectious diseases (flu, pneumonia, etc.);
• when giving up bad habits, changing the daily routine;
• at different times of the year, depending on the body.

Temporary causes of elevated values ​​disappear after a change in external circumstances or after recovery. Therefore, if such a symptom is detected, the patient is sent for an additional examination after a while.

The reasons why the pancreas and its echogenicity change:

1. Lipomatosis of the pancreas. This is a disease in which the cells of the glandular tissue of an organ begin to change and fill with fat cells. The person usually does not show any other symptoms.
2. Acute pancreatitis. With this disease, the gland swells and increases in size. In addition to increased echogenicity, severe vomiting, pain and diarrhea are observed.
3. Pancreatic necrosis. With this disease, the cells of the organ begin to die, which is very clearly visible on an ultrasound examination. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, with pancreatic necrosis, the patient feels severe pain in the abdomen.
4. Diabetes.
5. Development of cancer. At the same time, a large number of abnormal cells begin to develop, which disrupt the normal structure of the pancreas and are clearly visible on ultrasound.
6. Fibrosis is an overgrowth of connective tissue. Such a pathological condition is observed in metabolic disorders and as a result of a serious illness.

The ability to reflect ultrasound can also change with the appearance of cysts and with the appearance of calcium formations and gallstones.

Diagnosis and treatment

Increased echogenicity is not a diagnosis, but only one of the symptoms. To avoid misdiagnosis, it is imperative to undergo repeated examinations and conduct additional diagnostics of diseases of the organ.

The main cause of elevated values ​​is acute pancreatitis. It is easy to identify by the accompanying symptoms: severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, fever. Pancreatitis is treated immediately. It is based on food rest (for several days the patient is allowed to drink only water without gas) and medicines. A prerequisite for the treatment of acute pancreatitis is a diet that must be followed within a month after the attack.

In older men, the cause of high echogenicity is often a malignant cancerous tumor. The main symptoms of neoplasm are: and sudden weight loss. With a quick response and competent treatment, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is quite positive.

With lipomatosis, a high concentration of adipose tissue in the body, as well as diabetes, it is necessary to sharply limit the intake of foods with a large amount of carbohydrates and animal fats.

If the cause of increased echogenicity is the formation of calcifications and the ingress of stones into the ducts of the organ, a special surgical operation is necessary. Recently, when removing stones, open surgery is used less and less. Most often, formations are crushed using ultrasound, and then the resulting sand comes out with urine.

To avoid incorrect ultrasound results, it is necessary to refuse solid food the day before the appointment, and also not to eat foods that increase gas formation. If a person has any chronic or acute diseases, this should be reported to the doctor.